3 masquerades arrested in Akwa Ibom over breach of public peace

Sunday, January 25, 2026 - The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested and detained three persons over alleged involvement in violent and disorderly conduct carried out under the guise of masquerade activities in Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Saturday, the suspects were arrested on Friday at about 4:45pm.

John said operatives of the command received a distress call from an anonymous source over a breach of public peace by masquerades at Mbioto II Village, Etinan LGA, and swung into action.

According to her, the suspects — Kenneth Bassey, 31; Ofonime Isaac, 25; and Paul Samuel Bassey, 21 — all males, have been detained and are assisting operatives with vital information.

The statement read in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, in its sustained efforts to maintain peace and public order across the state, has arrested three individuals for their alleged involvement in violent and disorderly conduct carried out under the guise of masquerade activities in Etinan Local Government Area.

“On Friday, January 23, 2026, at about 4:45pm, the command received a distress call from an anonymous source reporting a serious breach of public peace and violent activities by masquerades at Mbioto II Village, Etinan LGA.

“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives were promptly mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspected masquerades and their leader.

“The suspects are Kenneth Bassey (M), 31 years; Ofonime Isaac (M), 25 years; and Paul Samuel Bassey (M), 21 years. The suspects have been detained and are currently assisting the police with ongoing investigations.”

Meanwhile, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, while commending the swift response of the police operatives, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public order and safety in all communities across Akwa Ibom State.

He stated that while the command respects the state’s rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, any activity that degenerates into violence, intimidation or poses a threat to public peace will be met with the full force of the law.