{
  "id": 17124793,
  "title": "Police nab masquerades for extorting residents in A’Ibom",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/police-nab-masquerades-for-extorting-residents-in-aibom",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T21:26:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/police-nab-masquerades-for-extorting-residents-in-aibom/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended two Ekpo masquerade participants in connection with extortion and assault allegations against members of the public in Ikot Ekpene area. This was reported in a statement released by the state police spokesperson, Timfom John, on Thursday. The suspects, Ine Isong, 29, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, were apprehended along the Ukana/Abak highway on Monday, October 26, during an operation. They were found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes, weapons, and machetes. Preliminary reports suggest that the suspects and others had been terrorizing residents, extorting money, and assaulting women. The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has warned against using cultural practices as a pretext for intimidation, violence, or other criminal activities.",
  "summary": "Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two Ekpo masquerade participants over allegations of extortion and assault against members of the public in Ikot Ekpene Area of the state. This was disclosed in a statement made available by the state police spokesperson, Timfom John, on Thursday. John said operatives arrested the suspects at about 6 Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Two Ekpo masquerade participants arrested for extortion and assault.",
    "Suspects Ine Isong, 29, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, apprehended on October 26.",
    "Police warn against using cultural practices for intimidation and violence."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}