By Frank Ulom
UYO (CONVERSEER) – The Akwa State Police Command has arrested a masquerade for alleged disturbance of public peace.
Converseer reports that the person behind the masquerade was identified as David Effiong.
The arrest, according to a statement signed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer in the State on Tuesday, was part of recent arrests made and directives given under the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.
The statement also added that the suspect will be charged to court.
According to the statement, “One David Effiong who was on the prowl with full masquerade regalia disrupting public peace and other suspects arrested, are all on their way to court.”
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It was reported that the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, recently issued a ban on the public appearance of masquerades.
A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Paul Alobi Nyambi, Esq., has said the man behind the masquerade has not committed any offence.
According to Nyambi, people should not be victimised because of their traditional beliefs.
“The young man has not committed any offence known to the law. Merely dancing ekpo masquerade does not amount to a breach of peace. You cannot victimise citizens who are traditionalists because you’re a Pastor.
“I call on all Lawyers of conscience to volunteer legal services for this victimised citizen.
“Pastor Umo Eno must focus on meaningful activities to better the lot of Akwa Ibom People and not try to become an emperor. This is unacceptable. This is ignorance in high places,” Nyambi, popularly known as Street Lawyer, said.
