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Police prosecute masquerade, group leader for assault, extortion in Akwa Ibom
Police prosecute masquerade, group leader for assault, extortion in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced the prosecution of a masquerade and a group leader over alleged assault, highway blockade, and extortion disguised as cultural display.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has also proscribed the operations of the “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum,” a coalition of some civil society groups in the state.
According to DSP John, police operatives arrested two suspects, including the leader of a masquerade group, for engaging in illegal assembly, armed blockade of a public road, and extortion of commuters.
“The arrest followed a distress call from a concerned citizen reporting that members of a masquerade cultural group were attacking passersby, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from motorists. They were armed with spears, arrows, machetes, and sticks, and even assaulted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),” she said.
Police investigations identified Uwem Umanah, 45, as the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village. He was accused of authorizing his members to appear in public despite an existing ban on such displays.
Operatives swiftly responded to the distress call and arrested Umanah, while another suspect, David Michael, 34, was apprehended at Ukana Onuk Village while allegedly preparing to stage a similar masquerade display.
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Both suspects have since been charged to court after investigations. The command warned that it would not tolerate any form of lawlessness or violence under the guise of cultural expression.
“The police will not condone intimidation or the misuse of cultural paraphernalia to commit crimes,” the statement added.
In a related development, CP Baba Azare has banned the use of the name “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum” by any coalition of NGOs or civic groups in the state, describing it as illegal and misleading.
The commissioner issued the directive during a meeting with leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs) on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in Uyo.
“The use of the name gives the false impression that it is the official umbrella body for all CSOs in Akwa Ibom State, which it is not,” CP Azare said, directing all groups to cease using the name immediately.
He urged CSOs to operate strictly within the confines of the law and avoid actions capable of threatening public order.
The meeting was attended by leading civil society figures, including Franklyn Isong, Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, and Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert.
Police prosecute masquerade, group leader for assault, extortion in Akwa Ibom
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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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