What happened
On Tuesday morning (2 Dec 2025) David Effiong (a.k.a. “the young, fine-faced masquerade” ) stepped out in full Ekpo regalia at Ikot Obong Edong village, Uyo, hoping to hustle festive cash.
Residents quickly dialled the police hot-line; officers arrived, cuffed him and seized his costume.
Why it’s an offence
Governor Umo Eno had announced a state-wide ban only 48 hrs earlier, branding masquerades a “security threat” used to terrorise, extort and destroy property [^0^].
He specifically ordered the Commissioner of Police to “arrest and prosecute any masquerade seen on the street” .
Police statement
CP Baba Azare confirmed Effiong is in custody for “causing public disturbance and alleged vandalism” and will be charged to court once investigation ends [^1^].
Social-media reaction
“Naija funny sha—dem don arrest ‘handsome masquerade’ 😂”
Others joke: “Even the gods must obtain permit now.”
Moral
When the state says “no mask” , leave the costume at home—or your next audience might be a magistrate.
