By Ado Oyeyemi
Two Ekpo masquerades have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for allegedly mounting an illegal roadblock and extorting motorists and pedestrians along the Etim Ekpo-Azumini Road.
The suspects were arrested at about 2pm on November 14, 2026, after police operatives on routine patrol reportedly intercepted them obstructing a section of the road and disrupting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly used their masquerade activities as a cover to stop road users and demand money from them.
They were also accused of wielding machetes and other dangerous weapons to intimidate motorists and pedestrians.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, in a statement, identified the suspects as Godspower Ubong and Blessing Jumbo, both residents of Utu Ikot Imonte Village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
According to the command, two knives suspected to have been used during the alleged operation were recovered from the suspects during a search.
The statement read, “The suspects, identified as Godspower Ubong, male, and Blessing Jumbo, male, both of Utu Ikot Imonte Village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, were promptly arrested and taken into police custody.
“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of two knives suspected to have been used in furtherance of their unlawful activities.”
Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, declared that no individual or group would be allowed to operate above the law.
While acknowledging the importance of cultural heritage and traditional institutions, Azare stressed that cultural practices must be conducted within the boundaries of the law and must not threaten public safety, individual rights or social order.
He warned those involved in illegal roadblocks, extortion, intimidation 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,” he said.
The commissioner also directed police officers across the state to intensify intelligence-led patrols, surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent individuals and groups from taking the law into their hands.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and ensuring strict enforcement of the law.
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Azare urged residents to report suspicious activities, illegal roadblocks, extortion and other threats to public safety to the nearest police formation.
