Tension rose in parts of Akwa Ibom on Tuesday after police operatives arrested a man, identified as David Effiong, for allegedly causing a public disturbance while dressed in full masquerade regalia, despite a statewide ban on such displays.
Effiong was picked up after residents alerted security operatives that a masquerader was “constituting nuisance, chasing people and destroying property” in the community.
His arrest comes amid renewed clampdown on masquerade activities following the state government’s prohibition order.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, said the suspect acted in clear violation of the ban announced by Governor Umo Eno earlier in the year.
“We will not allow anyone hide under culture or tradition to threaten public peace,” the Commissioner said. “Effiong will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”
CP Azare added that the police have recorded multiple complaints in recent weeks, accusing masqueraders of harassment, intimidation and violent behaviour across different communities.
“The Governor’s directive on the ban still stands, and we are fully enforcing it,” he stressed. “No individual or group has the right to flout the law.”
Residents who spoke with PLATFORM TIMES welcomed the arrest, insisting that many masqueraders had become “a menace” to the public.
One resident said, “These boys now use masquerade to terrorise people. They break shops, chase women and extort people. What we saw today was long overdue.”
Governor Pastor Umo Eno had earlier ordered a statewide suspension of masquerade displays, citing rising cases of violence, destruction of property, and attacks linked to masquerade groups during festivities.
Police authorities assured the public that Effiong will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded, adding that patrol teams have been directed to clamp down on anyone violating the order.
The latest arrest is expected to intensify debates around culture, security, and the increasing criminalisation of masquerade activities in the state.
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