…CP Uzuegbu Condemns Culture Abuse
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has condemned the constant abuse of masqueraders on citizens; he warns those intending to hide under the guise of cultural celebration with masquerades to commit such criminal act of assault against fellow citizens to desist forthwith.
A press statement signed by the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe reveals that Oriokpa, a popular masquerade in the Nsukka West constituency has abuse another female citizen hence his arrest by the Police.
“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.”
Upon arrest, the assaulter in masquerade regalia is Mr. Ugwoke Ebube, a 22 years old male who lives along Enugu Road in Nsukka.
Ugwoke was arraigned in the Nsukka Magistrate Court of Enugu State, Nigeria, but was granted bail by the court on Wednesday 22nd of May, 2024.
Police investigation report suggests that the suspect, Ugwoke Ebube 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.
The female nurse Miss Blessing Ogbonna, was just one out of many unreported assaults meted out by Oriokpa to residents within Nsukka West constituency hence the motion of urgent public importance moved by Malachy Okey Onyechi, member representing Nsukka West State Constituency and Chairman, House committee on chieftaincy, culture and tourism seeking to end such abuse.
“Essentially, this motion aims to harmonize practices, and rules of engagement in the practice of masquerade as part of cultural exhibition, entertainment, or commercial purposes to safeguard parties from abuse. This call for concern does not lose sight of situations where masquerade has been unjustly treated by individuals, organized groups, or security agencies. Therefore, this motion is not intended to witch-hunt anybody, or group but to harmonize systems and practices,” Excerpts from the motion of urgent public importance presented by Malachy Onyechi at the Hallowed Chambers of the Enugu State House of Assembly.
