Two Suspected Ekpo Masqueraders Arrested Over Alleged Extortion In Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected Ekpo masqueraders for allegedly terrorising residents and extorting money from members of the public in parts of Ikot Ekpene.
The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, stating that the suspects were arrested on Monday at about 6:00 p.m. along the Ukana/Abak Highway during an operational show of force.
The suspects were identified as Ine Isong, 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, from Ikono Local Government Area.
According to the police, the suspects were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows at the time of their arrest.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects and other persons allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public,” John said.
She added that reports indicated that some innocent residents, particularly women, were allegedly assaulted during the incidents.
The police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other individuals who might be connected to the activities.
The command is expected to determine the extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement as investigations continue.
Police Arrest Two Ekpo Masqueraders Accused Of Terrorising Akwa Ibom Residents
Two suspected Ekpo masqueraders have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over allegations of terrorising residents, extorting money and assaulting innocent members of the public in parts of Ikot Ekpene.
The suspects, identified as 29-year-old Ine Isong and 20-year-old Emmanuel Ekpenyong, were apprehended on Monday at approximately 6:00 p.m. along the Ukana/Abak Highway during a police operational show of force.
Police spokesperson Timfon John announced the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday.
She said Isong hails from Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, while Ekpenyong is from Ikono Local Government Area.
John disclosed that the suspects were allegedly found with Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, as well as machetes, spears and arrows.
According to the police, preliminary findings suggest that the suspects and other individuals allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and demanding money from unsuspecting members of the public.
The statement further indicated that some innocent persons, particularly women, were allegedly assaulted during the incidents.
John said the police had commenced investigations to uncover the full details of the alleged offences and identify other individuals who might have participated in the activities.
The command has yet to conclude its investigation into the matter.
