PRESS RELEASE
POLICE ARREST MASQUERADES FOR VIOLATING GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE, WARN AGAINST BREACH OF PUBLIC ORDER
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order with the arrest of individuals parading as masquerades in violation of the existing directive regulating masquerade activities across the State.
On 23rd April 2026, at about 1125hrs, operatives of the Command, while on routine patrol along the Onna–Ikot Abasi Road, intercepted a group of masquerades heading towards Onna with the intention of engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace and order.
The arrest was carried out in strict compliance with the standing directive of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, which prohibits the unauthorized display of masquerades outside designated areas such as village squares and town halls without prior approval from the Police.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly hired by an individual from Atabong Village in Eket Local Government Area to perform at a burial ceremony in Ndon Eyo Village, Onna LGA—an arrangement that contravenes established security guidelines and public safety regulations.
The suspects are currently in Police custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the individual who engaged them.
The Command reiterates that masquerade activities must strictly conform to laid down regulations, and any attempt to use such cultural displays as a cover to incite unrest, intimidate residents, or breach public peace will be decisively dealt with.
The Commissioner of Police further warns parents, community leaders, and organizers of social events to desist from engaging masquerades in unauthorized locations or in any manner capable of threatening public safety.
Members of the public are urged to remain law-abiding and continue to support the Police with credible information. The Command remains resolute in enforcing all directives aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the State.
Signed
DSP Timfon John
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Akwa Ibom State Command
29/4/2026
