Sunday January 25, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two masquerades and a masquerader over their alleged involvement in violent and disorderly conduct during masquerade activities in Etinan Local Government Area.
The arrest followed a distress call received by the Command at about 4:45 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, reporting a breach of public peace at Mbioto II Village, Etinan. Police operatives were immediately deployed to the area, leading to the arrest of the two masquerades and their alleged leader. The unmasked masquerades were identified as Kenneth Bassey, 31; Ofonime Isaac, 25; and Paul Samuel Bassey, 21 the masquerader.
In a statement, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, said the suspects were taken into custody shortly after the incident and are currently assisting investigators as inquiries continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the disturbance.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, as saying that while the Command respects and recognises culture traditions, it will not tolerate any practice that degenerates into violence, intimidation or threats to public safety.
He warned that individuals or groups who exploit cultural activities to disrupt public order would be dealt with in accordance with the law; adding, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged residents to promptly report any activity capable of disturbing public peace.”
