The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one David Effiong on full masquerade regalia for allegedly disrupting public peace. According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, the suspect will be charged to court accordingly in masquerade uniform. GISTSMATE MEDIA earlier reported that the Governor of the state, Umo Eno, has announced a…
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced a ban on the use of traditional masquerades across the state during the festive period, citing rising security concerns. The Ekpo masquerade holds significant cultural value in Ibibio tradition, symbolising ancestral spirits during community festivals. However, recent incidents involving violence, harassment, and extortion—including the arrest of a…
Masquerades have been spotted donning campaign materials of Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra state, ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The images, which have circulated widely across the state, show masquerades dressed in traditional regalia adorned with Soludo’s posters and campaign slogans. The development has sparked conversation across communities about the intersection of culture…
The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday ordered the restriction of all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival to only designated outing points. The command said the directive is necessary to curb the escalating clashes between rival masquerade groups and reports of violence and property damage in various parts of the state. This was…
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned the recent assault on an Imam in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, by a masquerade known as Lobanika. The incident happened a few days ago at Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, when the masquerade who was holding a cane, removed the cap of the Imam who was on a motorcycle. The masquerader…
Three male masqueraders who were arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have been arraigned and reprimanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre in the state. The three masquerades were arrested for their involvement in the assault and infliction of bodily harm on members of the public under the guise of celebrating the…
The Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Command attached to the Nsukka Urban Division, have arrested three male suspects in connection with the physical assault of members of the public by the Oriokpa Masquerade group on June 22, 2025, in Nsukka, as seen in a viral video. Confirming their arrest to newsmen, the command’s spokesperson, SP…
Masquerades have invaded Imam’s house and mosque in Oke Agbe, Akoko, Akoko North Local Government, Ondo State, it has been revealed. The masquerades allegedly beat up the Imam’s wives and children, according to a statement by Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) which condemned the attack. The Islamic human rights organization described the attack as another evidence…
The annual Imo Awka Festival in Awka, Anambra State, has recorded its first casualty as a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) crushed a masquerade to death on Sunday. The incident occurred while the masquerade was moving along the road. According to eyewitnesses, the tricycle operator was immediately arrested. “One masquerade was hit by a Keke NAPEP on…
The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address a reported clash between Egungun worshippers and military personnel in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 27, reportedly sparked tension in parts of the town for three days….