The police described the conduct captured in a viral video as “totally unacceptable, unlawful, and will not be tolerated under any guise,” reaffirming that cultural expressions must not be used as a cover for violence.
The Anambra State Police Command said it has arrested a masquerader responsible for a violent, unprovoked attack on residents of Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state, a development the police said disrupted public peace in the community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspect who assaulted citizens is now in custody as the command intensifies investigations.
The police described the conduct captured in a viral video as “totally unacceptable, unlawful, and will not be tolerated under any guise,” reaffirming that cultural expressions must not be used as a cover for violence.
Ikenga assured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state, adding that further developments on the case would be communicated to the public as investigations progress.
The arrest of the masquerader in Anambra comes amid similar concerns in neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, where masquerade-related violence and public disturbances have prompted sustained police action and government intervention.
In late 2025, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a masquerader accused of assault, and disturbing public peace.
The Akwa Ibom State government also imposed an indefinite ban on public masquerade displays after an alleged pattern of intimidation and violence linked to some masqueraders.
Governor Umo Eno directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders, stressing that cultural heritage must not be abused to terrorise communities.