Two men dressed as Ekpo masquerades have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over allegations of harassing road users and collecting money from them illegally.
The arrest followed a police patrol operation on Saturday, November 14, during which officers reportedly encountered the masquerades occupying part of the Etim Ekpo-Azumini Road.
The men were allegedly stopping motorists and pedestrians, demanding payments from them and preventing the free movement of people along the route.
Police investigations also indicated that the suspects allegedly carried dangerous weapons, including machetes, which were used to frighten members of the public.
The arrested men were identified as Godspower Ubong and Blessing Jumbo, both from Utu Ikot Imonte Village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state.
Officers reportedly recovered two knives from the suspects during a search conducted after their arrest. The weapons were suspected to have been used in carrying out the alleged offences.
The police command confirmed the arrests, stating, “The suspects, identified as Godspower Ubong, male, and Blessing Jumbo, male, both of Utu Ikot Imonte Village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, were promptly arrested and taken into police custody.
“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of two knives suspected to have been used in furtherance of their unlawful activities.”
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, warned against using cultural practices as an excuse to threaten residents or violate existing laws.
He acknowledged the significance of traditional institutions and cultural celebrations but maintained that they must be conducted without endangering lives, restricting people’s movement or infringing on their rights.
Azare further cautioned individuals involved in illegal roadblocks, intimidation, extortion and the possession of dangerous weapons to stop such activities.
“The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable,” he said.
The commissioner also ordered police formations across the state to intensify patrols, intelligence gathering and surveillance to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety.
He assured residents that the command would continue to protect lives and property while maintaining law and order.
Azare urged members of the public to report suspicious behaviour, unlawful collections, threats and other activities capable of endangering public safety to the nearest police station.
