Police arrest masquerade seen assaulting nurse in Enugu

The Enugu police command says it has arrested a masquerade seen flogging a female nurse in Nsukka LGA of the state.

On May 12, a video of masquerades assaulting a nurse who was riding a motorcycle, began making the rounds on social media.

Following the incident, the masquerade was reportedly banned from operating in the community after residents condemned the act.

In a statement on Wednesday, Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson in the state, said the arrest was effected by operatives of the anti-cultism tactical squad. 

“Police 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., 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 statement reads.

He added that the masquerader, identified as 22-year-old Ugwuoke Ebubu, was part of a group of masquerades who assaulted the nurse.

Ndukwe said Kanayo Uzuegbu, the commissioner of police in the state, has warned those hiding behind culture to perpetrate crimes to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

“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,” Ndukwe said.

“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.”