POLICE ARREST MASQUERADE IN AKWA IBOM STATE. (PHOTO).

 

 Police Arrest Masquerade in Akwa Ibom state

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, announced that David Effiong was arrested for “disrupting public peace” while dressed in a masquerade outfit. The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, said the suspect would be charged to court.

This comes after Governor Umo Eno verbally announced restrictions on masquerades, saying they had become a public nuisance and were causing fear, harassment, and disorder in some communities. According to the Governor, masquerades should no longer roam the streets.

The Key Argument: Is a Governor’s Statement Automatically a Law?

Legal experts and concerned citizens have raised serious questions:

 • Is the Governor’s pronouncement in church or any public place equal to a law?

 • Has the statement been sent to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for ratification?

 • Upon which written law is the Police arresting the masquerade?

The simple answer is no—a Governor’s verbal order is not automatically a law.

How Laws Are Made

In a democratic system like Nigeria:

 1. The Governor can propose, recommend, or announce a policy.

 2. But the policy becomes law only after the House of Assembly debates, passes, and the Governor signs it.

Until then, a verbal statement from the Governor is a directive, not a law, and cannot be used as the sole basis for arrest or prosecution.

What the Critics Are Saying

Some citizens argue:

 • There is no known law—federal or state—that criminalises Ekpo masquerade or any other masquerade tradition.

 • A verbal directive cannot replace a written, passed, and gazetted law.

 • The arrest may therefore be unlawful unless tied to an existing offence such as breach of peace.

One critic noted:

“We are in a democracy, not a monarchy. A Governor’s words are not automatically law.”

Another added that the government did not ban Ekpo entirely:

“The government said no Ekpo on the streets, not that Ekpo cannot perform at cultural events.”

Government’s Position: Safety First

Government supporters argue that masquerades have increasingly become unruly, intimidating residents, extorting money, and sometimes attacking people. They insist the Governor acted in the interest of public safety.

They believe masquerades should be confined to cultural festivals and not roam public streets causing fear.

The Real Issue: Clarity and Proper Legal Backing

The controversy shows the need for:

 • A clear written law outlining where and how masquerades may operate.

 • Proper communication to communities.

 • Respect for both cultural traditions and public safety.

Many are now calling on Governor Umo Eno to send an official bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to legally define the restrictions on masquerade activities. This would remove confusion and give the Police a proper legal basis for enforcement.

 Conclusion

Masquerades are not above the law, but neither can they be prosecuted under a law that does not exist.

For now, the debate continues, raising important questions about culture, authority, and the rule of law in Akwa Ibom State.