Police arrest two masquerades over alleged assault, extortion in Akwa Ibom

Two Ekpo masquerades are cooling their heels successful the custody of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command implicit their alleged engagement successful battle and extortion successful parts of Ikot Ekpene assembly of the state.

A connection by the command's spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, connected Wednesday, said the arrests were made connected 26 October, 2026 astatine astir 1800 hours, on the Ukana/Abak Highway, during an operational amusement of force.

The connection read, "The suspects, identified arsenic Ine Isong, aged 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, aged 20, of Ikono Local Government Area, were allegedly recovered successful possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows.

"Preliminary reports bespeak that the suspects and different persons allegedly progressive successful the activities had been terrorising residents and extorting wealth from unsuspecting members of the public. Reports further bespeak that immoderate guiltless persons, peculiarly women, were assaulted successful the process."

The connection noted that investigations are ongoing, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azar, has reiterated that the bid volition not tolerate the usage of taste practices oregon masquerade activities arsenic a screen for criminality, intimidation, extortion oregon unit against members of the public.

"While respecting lawful taste traditions, the ...