The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man identified as David Effiong, an indigene of the state, for allegedly causing a public disturbance while dressed in full masquerade regalia, despite a subsisting ban on masquerade activities.
Effiong was taken into custody on Tuesday after residents reported that a masquerader was causing a nuisance and allegedly destroying property within the community.
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His arrest comes amid renewed enforcement of the state government’s directive outlawing all public masquerade displays.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, said Effiong will be charged in court.
The crackdown comes after Governor Pastor Umo Eno ordered a statewide ban on masquerade displays, citing rising cases of intimidation, violence, and destruction of property linked to masqueraders.
He pronounced that, “By my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I’m issuing an order. Anyone caught will be arrested and tried. They have been using it to cause trouble in some local government areas.
“I’m now as Chief Security Officer of the state, directing the Commissioner of Police and other heads of security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone caught.
“Let’s stop terrorising people. Let people have peace. All those I see when we’re driving, please let it be said it is hereby banned. No more.”
Meanwhile, police authorities said investigation into Effiong’s activities is ongoing, adding that he will be arraigned in court upon completion of the process.
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