The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected Ekpo masquerade participants for allegedly terrorising members of the public, extorting money from passers-by and assaulting innocent persons in parts of Ikot Ekpene.

The arrests were made on 26th October, 2026, at about 1800 hours, along the Ukana/Abak Highway, during an operational show of force.

The suspects, identified as Ine Isong, aged 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, aged 20, of Ikono Local Government Area, were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows.

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. Reports further indicate that some innocent persons, particularly women, were assaulted in the process.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify any other persons connected to the alleged offences.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, reiterates that the Command will not tolerate the use of cultural practices or masquerade activities as a cover for criminality, intimidation, extortion or violence against members of the public. While respecting lawful cultural traditions, the Command remains resolute in ensuring that no individual or group takes the law into their own hands or threatens the peace and security of residents.

A Press statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and acts of criminality to the Police, as the Command intensifies efforts to maintain law and order across the State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Wisdom Effiong, 27, in connection with series of alleged machete attacks and robberies in Uyo, following information and reports circulated on social media.

The suspect, a native of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State and a resident of Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, was arrested in connection with the alleged attacks targeting women.

According to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in the course of investigation, the Police also arrested Yakub Abdullah ‘M’ of Udi Street, Uyo, who is alleged to have received some of the items reportedly stolen during the attacks. Preliminary investigation indicates that the stolen items were handed over to him by the machete attack suspect.

Items recovered in connection with the investigation include one machete, a woman’s handbag, one Tecno POP 5 Android phone, one iPhone 11, one Remi Android phone, and three power banks.

So far, seven women have identified Wisdom Effiong as the person who allegedly attacked and robbed them, while investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other possible victims or accomplices.

The Command is therefore appealing to anyone who may have been attacked or robbed in connection with the incidents to come forward and report to the Police Public Relations Unit, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, or the nearest Police Station. Such reports will assist the Command in identifying additional victims and strengthening the ongoing investigation.

The suspects remain in Police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, appreciates members of the public for providing information that assisted the Police in apprehending the suspects and urges residents to continue to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal incidents to the Police.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its ongoing crackdown on the production and distribution of fake and adulterated alcoholic beverages across the State, with the arrest of a 40-year-old man.

The arrest according to a Press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, also led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected fake/adulterated dry gin in Ikot Ekpene.

The suspect, identified as Ubong Ntiense, aged 40 years, a native of Ibiaku Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, and resident along Abak Road, was arrested on 26 September 2026 at about 1345 hours by operatives of the Command.

The suspect was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation along Aba Road, while allegedly conveying the products to Essien Udim Local Government Area for delivery.

A search of the vehicle/person led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected adulterated dry gin, bearing the fake label “Pointers Special Dry Gin.” Each carton contained 24 bottles, bringing the total number of recovered bottles to 120.

The suspect and the recovered items were subsequently brought to the station for preliminary investigation. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being involved in the production of the fake alcoholic beverages.

Based on information obtained during the investigation, Police operatives secured and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and premises, where substances and other materials allegedly used in the production of the adulterated drinks were recovered as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, has directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally, with a view to identifying other persons connected to the production, distribution and circulation of the suspected counterfeit products.

The Command views the production and distribution of adulterated alcoholic beverages as a serious public safety concern, particularly because unsuspecting members of the public may consume such products without knowledge of their contents or origin.

The Police therefore warn individuals, distributors, retailers and organised networks involved in the manufacture, transportation or sale of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages to desist immediately, as the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, stop-and-search activities and lawful investigative measures to disrupt such activities.

Members of the public are equally urged to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages and to promptly report suspicious production or distribution activities to the Police or other relevant regulatory authorities.