Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man identified as David Effiong for allegedly causing a public dist¥rbance while appearing in full masquerade regalia despite the state government’s ban.
Effiong was taken into custody on Tuesday after residents reported that a masquerader was causing a nuisance and allegedly destroying property within the community.
Also, three persons have been arrested by the police for allegedly circulation fake news capable of causing panic and fear in Akwa Ibom State .
The fake news gained traction last week when it claimed that some students of a girls secondary school in Oron were kidnapped.
The report caused widespread apprehension and panic in the state even though the state government issued a statement debunking the report, it had already spread like wild fire in the dry season.
Those arrested by the police were Lexis Christopher, Stephen Okwen and Favour Emenyi, a 15-year-old female student of Mary Hanney secondary school , Oron where the kidnapping allegedly took place.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Tmfon John , DSP, said in a statement made available to reporters that the affected suspects “were on their way court,” to face trial.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has expressed concern over the rising circulation of fake news and misinformation, especially on social media, which he said has the potential to “create panic and undermine the existing peace in the state.”
Accordingly, the CP directed officers to intensify community engagements, monitor emerging threats, and ensure that persons involved in the deliberate spread of falsehood are identified and prosecuted.
The Police Public Relations Officer also quoted the Commissioner of Police as expressing concern over the violation of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive prohibiting policemen from escorting unauthorized VIPs,” adding that the CP has ordered “the immediate arrest of any policeman found accompanying private individuals, politicians, or VIP not duly approved by the Force Headquarters.”
According to the CP, “such officers will be disarmed, subjected to orderly room trial, and sanctioned accordingly.
“Area Commanders and DPOs will be held fully responsible for the conduct of their personnel. ”
Azare further reminded officers of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s ban on masquerade activities, noting that such gatherings have recently led to breaches of peace, violence, and public disturbances.
He directed all Area Commanders, DPOs, and Tactical Commanders to enforce the ban strictly, warning that any form of negligence or compromise by officers will attract disciplinary consequences.