The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two persons allegedly involved in obstructing a major road and extorting motorists and pedestrians under the guise of Ekpo masquerade activities.
The suspects were arrested on November 14, 2026, at about 2pm, when police operatives on routine patrol intercepted two Ekpo masquerades allegedly blocking a section of the Etim Ekpo-Azumini Road, disrupting vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly mounted an unlawful roadblock, accosting motorists and pedestrians and demanding money from them.
The police spokesman said the suspects were also reportedly armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, creating fear and intimidation among road users.
The suspects were identified as Godspower Ubong and Blessing Jumbo, both of Utu Ikot Imonte Village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
A search conducted on them led to the recovery of two knives suspected to have been used in furtherance of their alleged activities, according to the police.
The command said, “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.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated that no individual or group was above the law.
While recognising the importance of cultural heritage and traditional institutions, Azare emphasised that cultural expressions must be exercised within the confines of the law, with due regard for public safety, individual rights and public order.
He warned individuals and groups involved in unlawful roadblocks, intimidation, extortion, possession or use of dangerous weapons and other activities capable of disrupting public peace to desist.
“The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable,” he said.
The commissioner also directed officers across the state to sustain intelligence-led patrols, surveillance and enforcement operations to ensure compliance with government directives and prevent individuals or groups from taking the law into their own hands.
He reassured residents that the protection of lives and property, preservation of public order and enforcement of the law remained the command’s priorities.
Azare urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities, unlawful roadblocks, extortion and threats to public safety to the nearest police formation.
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