The Enugu Command of the Nigeria Police Force Command has warned masquerades and their assistants against assaulting, harassing, and intimidating Nigerians in the state under whatever guise.
This warning was given by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, in a statement he signed and issued in Enugu on Monday.
According to Amaraizu, the police would arrest anyone caught committing any offense under the guise of masquerade displays and festivals.
He noted that the command had continued to say that people’s rights should not be infringed upon in any show or festivity.
The police spokesman also advised communities to celebrate their culture and masquerade festivities within the confines of the law.
He said: “The Police have frowned at the report received concerning the alleged recklessness of some masquerades and their assistants on the issue of assault, molestation, and intimidation of good people of the state.”
“Anyone caught committing offense or wrecking havoc on members of the public under the guise of masquerade festivities will be promptly arrested and prosecuted,’’ he said.
He also disclosed that the command, through its operatives in Nsukka Police Divisional Headquarters, nabbed one of the assistants of Oriokpa Masquerade, Nnamdi Okoro, in Nsukka on March 26.
Okoro was alleged to have assaulted Mr. Ezeugwu Lawrence, which caused him injury on his head at Ugwuoye axis of Nsukka.
“Okoro is now helping police operatives in their investigation.
“He will be arraigned properly in court after investigation,’’ the police spokesman said.
Source: Dailypost
