By RismadarVoice Media
December 18, 2025
There appears to be no respite in sight for the now-famous Akwa Ibom-born masquerader, David Effiong, as Akwa Ibom State Police Command today arraigned him afresh before the State High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene, deepening his legal ordeal.
Effiong was docked on a fresh charge in the suit between Commissioner of Police v. David Effiong, barely 24 hours to the scheduled hearing of a related matter at a Magistrate Court in Uyo, tomorrow.
The prosecution follows Effiong’s arrest on Thursday, December 2, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, where he was alleged to have caused public disturbance while fully adorned in Ekpo masquerade regalia, a traditional attire deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Annang people.
On Tuesday, December 9, the Police had earlier brought the masquerader before a Magistrate Court in Uyo, seeking his remand through a motion ex parte.
However, the request was stoutly resisted by Ekom Nwoko, Esq., who appeared pro bono for Effiong.
In a spirited submission, Nwoko urged the court to draw a clear line between culture and criminality, arguing that Ekpo masquerades remains a recognized cultural institution in Akwa Ibom State.
He contended that the Police failed to establish any probable cause, justifying Effiong’s continued detention.
Relying on Section 293(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Akwa Ibom State, 2022, the counsel submitted that the prosecution’s affidavit did not disclose facts sufficient to warrant a remand order.
He further invoked Section 294 of the ACJL, praying the court to admit the defendant to bail, stressing that the allegation neither bordered on terrorism nor any grave offence contemplated by law.
After listening to arguments from both sides, the Magistrate declined the Police application for remand, granted Effiong bail, with conditions including:
•one surety,
•two passport photographs,
•a valid National Identification,
•and residency within the court’s jurisdiction.
In a dramatic twist that left the courtroom murmuring, no one came forward to perfect the bail.
No fellow masquerader.
No drummer.
No troupe member.
No “village people”
Left without a surety, the Ekpo masquerader was escorted back into custody, returned to the Uyo Correctional Centre, despite securing bail.
With the fresh arraignment at the High Court today, legal observers say Effiong is now likely to spend the Christmas and New Year festivities behind bars, pending further proceedings.
The High Court has adjourned the matter to January 22, 2025, for hearing and possible consideration of bail.
