Ayomide Awe
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two persons allegedly disguising themselves as Ekpo masquerades to extort motorists and pedestrians after blocking a major road in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Godspower Ubong and Blessing Jumbo, were arrested on Saturday, November 14, at about 2pm along the Etim Ekpo-Azumini Road.
The police said the suspects allegedly obstructed vehicular and pedestrian movement by mounting an unlawful roadblock while demanding money from motorists and other road users under the guise of traditional masquerade activities.
The command disclosed that the suspects were also allegedly armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, which they reportedly used to intimidate members of the public.
According to the police, operatives on routine patrol intercepted the two masquerades while they were allegedly obstructing the road and immediately moved in to arrest them.
The suspects, both said to be residents of Utu Ikot Imonte Village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, were subsequently taken into police custody.
A search conducted on them reportedly led to the recovery of two knives suspected to have been used in carrying out the alleged activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer said the arrest followed the command’s determination to tackle activities capable of threatening public safety and disrupting the free movement of residents.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, warned that no individual or group would be allowed to operate above the law under the cover of cultural or traditional practices.
Azare, while acknowledging the importance of cultural heritage and traditional institutions, stressed that such practices must be conducted within the confines of the law and without infringing on the rights and safety of other residents.
He warned individuals and groups involved in unlawful roadblocks, intimidation, extortion and the possession or use of dangerous weapons to desist from such activities.
“The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable,” the commissioner was quoted as saying.
The police commissioner also directed officers across the state to intensify intelligence-led patrols, surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent individuals or groups from taking the law into their hands.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and ensuring that offenders were brought to justice.
Azare further urged members of the public to report suspicious activities, unlawful roadblocks, extortion and threats to public safety to the nearest police formation.
The suspects’ alleged offences remain subject to investigation, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
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