Police in Akwa Ibom State have commenced prosecution of a masquerade and a masquerade group leader over two separate incidents of alleged assault, blockade of public highway and extortion in the guise of cultural display.
DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Command who revealed this Saturday also reported that the Commissioner of Police under the Command, CP Baba Azare has proscribed operations of ‘Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum’, a coalition of some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state.
On the legal action against the suspected criminal masquerade groups, John stated, “Police had, arrested two individuals, including leader of a masquerade cultural group for a series of criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion.
“The arrest followed a distress call received from a concerned citizen reporting the illegal display of a masquerade cultural group that was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public passing through the route.
“According to the distress caller, the perpetrators, armed with spear and arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members.
“Investigation revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah ‘M’ aged 45 years, had authorized members of the group to wear masks and disguise selves in masquerade costumes in public, despite existing ban on such displays.
“Upon receipt of the information, Operatives of the Command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah.
“In a related development, one David Michael ‘M’ aged 34 years of Ikot Obong Edong Village, was arrested at Ukana Onuk Village while in possession of complete masquerade costumes, preparing to invade the area.”
(Vanguard)
