Masquerader arrested for assaulting woman in Enugu

Men of the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad have arrested a  ‘masquerader’ popularly called Oriokpa, who was caught on tape physically assaulting a woman at the Ugwuoye Junction, Nsukka.

The man in the masquerade was later identified as Ugwuoke Ebube, 22 years, of Enugu Road, Nsukka.

A statement by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, spokesman for the command, said 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.

The policeman added that the masquerade was arraigned in the Nsukka Magistrate Court of Enugu State on Wednesday, and was granted bail by the court.

Ndukwe added, “The state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, while condemning the act, warned those intending to hide under the guise of culturally celebrating masquerades to commit such criminal acts of assault against fellow citizens to desist forthwith. He stressed that the Command will henceforth not hesitate to bring anyone found wanting to book, just as in the case at hand.”