The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has taken into custody Uwem Umanah, the leader of a cultural masquerade group known locally as Ekpo, over alleged involvement in criminal acts including illegal assembly, armed obstruction of a public highway, and extortion.
Police operatives reportedly arrested Umanah on Friday, October 31, 2025, after surveillance teams traced him and his group to a location where they were said to have repeatedly blocked roads and harassed motorists under the guise of cultural display.
A statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer on Saturday, November 1, 2025, confirmed that the arrest followed multiple complaints from residents about masked individuals stopping vehicles, demanding payments, and threatening commuters.
Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare said the command would not tolerate the misuse of cultural heritage to conceal criminal intent.
“The Ekpo masquerade remains a cherished symbol of Akwa Ibom’s tradition,” Azare stated.
“But those who exploit that identity to intimidate the public or extort money will face the full weight of the law.”
He added that Umanah is in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
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Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect and his group had been mounting illegal roadblocks in rural communities, causing traffic disruptions and fear among residents.
The Ekpo institution, rooted in the traditions of the Ibibio and Annang ethnic groups, historically served as a community watchdog enforcing moral and social discipline.
However, in recent years, authorities have expressed concern that some groups now use the masks to perpetrate unlawful acts, including violence and extortion.
The police command appealed to traditional rulers and community elders to help safeguard cultural values by discouraging practices that threaten peace and public safety.