Akwa Ibom Police: Masquerade Extortion Arrests Made on Etim Ekpo Road

• Two individuals, Godspower Ubong and Blessing Jumbo, were arrested in Akwa Ibom State on November 14, 2026, for allegedly extorting motorists and pedestrians.
• The suspects were reportedly operating as Ekpo masquerades, blocking the Etim Ekpo-Azumini Road and disrupting traffic.
• Police recovered two knives from the suspects, who were also reported to be armed with machetes.
• Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare stated that cultural expressions must adhere to legal boundaries, emphasizing no one is above the law.
• The police command vowed to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in unlawful roadblocks, intimidation, or extortion, regardless of cultural context.

This incident serves as a clear reminder that cultural practices, such as Ekpo masquerade activities, do not grant immunity from criminal liability for offenses like extortion, public obstruction, or illegal possession of weapons in Nigeria.

On November 14, 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM, law enforcement officials in Akwa Ibom State apprehended two individuals accused of obstructing a significant thoroughfare and engaging in extortion. The arrests occurred after police operatives, conducting a routine patrol, encountered two Ekpo masquerades blocking a segment of the Etim Ekpo-Azumini Road. This blockage significantly impeded both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command indicated that the suspects had established an unauthorized roadblock, where they allegedly accosted passersby and motorists, demanding money. The individuals, identified as Godspower Ubong and Blessing Jumbo, both residents of Utu Ikot Imonte Village within the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, were reportedly armed with machetes and other dangerous implements. These weapons were used to instill fear and intimidate road users. Following their arrest, a search yielded two knives, believed to have been employed in the furtherance of their alleged criminal activities.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Baba Mohammed Azare, leading the Akwa Ibom State Command, unequivocally stated that no person or collective entity operates beyond the purview of the law. While acknowledging the significance of cultural heritage and traditional institutions within the region, CP Azare underscored that any form of cultural expression must strictly adhere to legal boundaries. This includes a paramount consideration for public safety, the protection of individual rights, and the maintenance of public order.

The Commissioner issued a stern warning to all individuals and groups involved in activities such as establishing unlawful roadblocks, engaging in intimidation, committing extortion, or possessing and utilizing dangerous weapons. He emphasized that any actions that threaten to disrupt public peace must cease immediately. The Command, he asserted, is prepared to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable in such offenses, irrespective of their involvement in traditional practices.

To reinforce its commitment to upholding the law, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has directed its officers across the state to maintain consistent intelligence-led patrols, surveillance, and enforcement operations. This directive aims to ensure compliance with governmental mandates and to prevent any individuals or groups from resorting to self-help or undermining legal authority. The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command's core priorities: safeguarding lives and property, preserving public order, and rigorously enforcing existing laws.

Furthermore, CP Azare urged the public to actively participate in maintaining peace and security by promptly reporting any suspicious activities. This includes instances of unlawful roadblocks, extortion attempts, or any threats to public safety, to the nearest police formation. This incident serves as a clear reminder that cultural practices, such as Ekpo masquerade activities, do not grant immunity from criminal liability for offenses like extortion, public obstruction, or illegal possession of weapons in Nigeria.

This incident reinforces that cultural practices, such as Ekpo masquerade activities, do not provide immunity from criminal liability for offenses like extortion, public obstruction, or illegal possession of weapons in Nigeria. Lawyers should advise clients involved in organizing or participating in cultural events to ensure strict compliance with public order laws and to avoid any activities that could be construed as criminal, as law enforcement is prepared to prosecute individuals regardless of traditional context.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH