Akwa Ibom State has reportedly lost a court case involving a masquerade arrested by the police for allegedly disturbing public peace.
The development was disclosed by veteran journalist Dele Momodu, who described the judgment as a landmark affirmation of traditional religious rights.
Recall that, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a masquerader on Monday for allegedly disrupting public peace in Uyo.
The spokesperson of the command, Timfon John, said the arrest followed Governor Umo Eno’s recent ban on public masquerade activities.
The police added that the ban became necessary following recent attacks on residents by criminals disguising themselves as masquerades.
The suspect, identified as David and unveiled from the Ekpo masquerade paraphernalia, was scheduled to be charged to court.
However, the court has now ruled in favour of the masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, declaring that his arrest and three-day detention violated his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
The judge ordered his immediate and unconditional release, faulting the government’s enforcement actions.
The court also reportedly mandated the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for infringing on his constitutional rights.
