The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man identified as David Effiong for allegedly causing a public disturbance while wearing full masquerade attire, despite an existing ban on masquerade activities in the state.

Effiong was apprehended after residents reported that the masquerader was constituting a nuisance and allegedly destroying property within the community on Tuesday.

His arrest comes amid renewed enforcement of the state government’s directive outlawing all public masquerade displays.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, said Effiong will be charged in court.

Meanwhile, many masqueraders across the state have reportedly become a menace despite repeated warnings.

The crackdown comes after Governor Pastor Umo Eno ordered a statewide ban on masquerade displays, citing rising cases of intimidation, violence, and destruction of property linked to masqueraders.

Police authorities said investigation into Effiong’s activities is ongoing, adding that he will be arraigned in court upon completion of the process.