The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made fresh arrests of three masqueraders in Etinan Local Government Area for allegedly engaging in violent and disorderly conduct during masquerade activities.
According to the police spokesperson in the state, Timfon John, the arrests followed a distress call received by the command on Friday reporting a serious breach of public peace at Mbioto II Village.
She said the call was received at about 4:45 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of operatives to the area.
“Upon receipt of the information, Police operatives were promptly mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspected masquerades and their leader,” John said in a statement issued on Saturday in Uyo.
The suspects were identified as Kenneth Bassey, 31; Ofonime Isaac, 25; and Paul Samuel Bassey, 21. John added that the suspects have been taken into custody and are currently cooperating with investigators.
“The suspects have been detained and are currently assisting the Police with ongoing investigations,” she said.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, commended the swift response of the operatives and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public safety.
While acknowledging the state’s cultural traditions, Azare warned that such practices must not be used to threaten residents.
According to the police spokesperson, the commissioner stressed that “while the Command respects Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, any activity that degenerates into violence, intimidation, or constitutes a threat to public peace will be met with the full force of the law.”
The development comes against the backdrop of an executive order signed by Governor Umo Eno during the 2025 yuletide, banning masqueraders from molesting residents.
The police had, under the directive, arrested and prosecuted several offenders during the festive period.