…why we apprehended them – Police
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three persons over alleged involvement in violent and disorderly conduct linked to masquerade activities in Etinan Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Police, 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 by masquerades at Mbioto II Village, Etinan LGA.
Spokesman of the Command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that operatives were immediately deployed to the area, leading to the arrest of two suspected masquerades and their leader.
The suspects were identified as Kenneth Bassey, 31; Ofonime Isaac, 25; and Paul Samuel Bassey, 21.
DSP John said the suspects have been taken into custody and are currently assisting the Police with ongoing investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, fsi, commended the swift response of officers and reiterated the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and public order across Akwa Ibom State.
While affirming respect for the state’s cultural heritage and traditional practices, the Police Commissioner warned that any activity carried out under cultural guise that results in violence, intimidation, or threatens public safety will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Police assured residents of Etinan and other communities in the state of continued efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property.
