Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested at least two individuals in separate incidents for offenses committed while in masquerade regalia, following a government directive to curb criminal activities associated with some masquerades. The state government has since banned unauthorized public masquerade displays.
Details of the Arrests and Policy Changes
Recent Arrests: In late 2025, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested one individual, David Effiong, who was found in full masquerade regalia “disrupting public peace”. He is expected to be charged in court. This follows an earlier arrest in November 2025 of a masquerade cultural group leader, Uwem Umanah, and his group members for “public disturbance and extortion” after they allegedly mounted illegal roadblocks and forced citizens to pay fees.
Government Directive and Ban: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno issued a directive to the police commissioner and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute any masquerade found parading on the streets. The government cited concerns over public safety and rising incidents where individuals use masquerade costumes as a cover for crimes such as assault, harassment, violence, drug peddling, and extortion.
Legal Requirements: The State Police Commissioner reaffirmed that no individual or group is permitted to stage a public masquerade procession without first securing an official permit from the Commissioner of Police, as stipulated by the state’s Masquerades Control Law, 2022.
Authorities have warned community and village leaders that they will be held legally responsible for ensuring compliance with these directives.
