Two masquerades arrested for alleged assault, extortion in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested the suspects on October 26, 2026, at about 6pm along the Ukana/Abak Highway during a show of force, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said on Wednesday.

Police identified the suspects as Ine Isong, 29, from Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, from Ikono Local Government Area. Officers reportedly found them with Ekpo masquerade costumes, machetes, spears and arrows.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects and other alleged accomplices had terrorised residents and extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public.

Police also reported that the alleged activities led to assaults on some innocent people, particularly women.

The command said investigators were working to establish the full circumstances of the incidents and identify other suspects.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azar, warned against using cultural practices or masquerade activities to commit crimes, intimidate residents, extort money or engage in violence.

Azar stressed that the command respects lawful cultural traditions but would not allow individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands or threaten public peace and security.