Three arrested Oriokpa masquerades in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, identified as Emeka Eze (33), Omeke Uchechukwu (22), and Malachi Michael Nnaemeka (30), have been remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The three men who owned the masquerades were involved in the assault and molestation of some innocent residents and road users in Nsukka, inflicting bodily harm on members of the public under the guise of celebrating the Oriokpa Nsukka Masquerade.
Oriokpa Masquerades go gaga, terrorise Nsukka, residents call for govt intervention
Oriokpa Masquerades go gaga, terrorise Nsukka, residents call for govt intervention
Many residents of Nsukka were outraged and complained aloud about their activities which attracted the intervention of the state government and the security agents in Enugu State, who moved in to save the situation and protect the citizens.
Subsequently, the three suspects were identified and arrested with the assistance of law-abiding members of the community, while others fled.
They were arraigned before the Nsukka Magistrate Court on Friday, on three principal charges of conspiracy, demanding money with menaces, and causing grievous harm.
The case was adjourned to July 31, 2025, for further hearing.
According to the spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner of Police had ordered intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the masquerade group who are currently at large.
He also urged community leaders across Enugu State to caution their subjects against committing crimes under the guise of masquerade or other cultural celebrations.
● Report and feature photo by Ikenga Online.
