Police arrest masquerade leader, accomplice over armed extortion, public disturbance

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including the leader of a masquerade cultural group, for alleged involvement in illegal assembly, armed blockade of a public highway, and extortion.

Their arrest followed a distress call from a concerned citizen (name withheld) who reported that members of a masquerade group were attacking commuters, blocking a major road, and extorting money from passersby.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, on Saturday, 1 November 2025, said the assailants, reportedly armed with spears, machetes, sticks, and other dangerous weapons, also assaulted several individuals, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

She stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the group’s leader, identified as Uwem Umanah, 45, had authorised members of the “Ekpo” masquerade to wear masks and stage public displays in defiance of an existing ban on such activities.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah,” he said.

John stated further that the police also apprehended David Michael, 34, of Ikot Obong Edong Village, at Ukana Onuk Village, while he was found in possession of full masquerade regalia and preparing to launch an invasion of the area.

She said: “Following a detailed investigation, police have arraigned the two suspects in court to face prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammad Azare, reassures the general public of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and order.

“The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise, including the unauthorised use of cultural paraphernalia to perpetrate crime.”

The command, therefore, urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and help keep communities safe for lawful activities.