Police nab three masquerades over alleged breach in Etinan

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three persons over their alleged involvement in violent and disorderly conduct linked to masquerade activities in the Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

According to the command, the arrests followed a distress call received at about 4:45 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, from an anonymous source, reporting a serious breach of public peace at Mbioto II Village, Etinan LGA.

Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where two suspected masquerades and their leader were arrested.

Etim Ekpimah

Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where two suspected masquerades and their leader were arrested.

The suspects were identified as Kenneth Bassey, 31; Ofonime Isaac, 25; and Paul Samuel Bassey, 21.

They are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators as inquiries into the incident continue.

Commending the swift response of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and public safety in Akwa Ibom State.

While noting the police’s respect for the state’s cultural heritage and traditional practices, the commissioner warned that any activity carried out under a cultural guise that results in violence, intimidation, or threatens public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.