Operatives of Enugu state police command have arrested one of the popular Oriokpa masquerades that have been in the news for assaulting women in Nsukka area of the state.
A statement by the Enugu police public relations officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe said the masquerade was arrested by Operatives serving in the Nsukka Sector of the Enugu State Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, on May 12, 2024, around 3.45 p.m.
Ndukwe stated that the operatives “intercepted and arrested a masquerade (popularly called Oriokpa) while the wearer was sighted physically assaulting a female victim (names withheld) at Ugwuoye Junction, Nsukka. The masquerader was later identified as one Ugwuoke Ebube, aged 22, of Enugu Road, Nsukka.
“An investigation into the case suggests that the suspect was part of a group of masqueraders that similarly assaulted a female nurse riding a motorcycle, as captured in a viral video in April 2024.
“He was today, May 22, 2024, arraigned in the Nsukka Magistrate Court of Enugu State, Nigeria, but was granted bail by the court.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), while condemning the act, has warned those intending to hide under the guise of culturally celebrating masquerades to commit such criminal act of assault against fellow citizens to desist forthwith.
“He stressed that the Command will henceforth not hesitate to bring anyone found wanting to book, just as in the case at hand.”
