The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered the arrest of policemen escorting unauthorized VIPs in the state.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the CP warned that any officer found violating the directive would be “disarmed, subjected to orderly room trial, and sanctioned accordingly,” adding that Area Commanders and DPOs would be held responsible for their personnel.
DSP John said the Commissioner also ordered strict enforcement of the state government’s ban on masquerade activities, noting that such gatherings had caused recent disturbances. “Any form of negligence or compromise by officers will attract disciplinary consequences,” she quoted the CP as saying.
He further condemned the spread of fake news, which he said could create panic and undermine peace. The statement noted that officers had been directed to identify and prosecute those responsible.
To address rising cases of cultism and robbery, the CP also ordered rigorous stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led raids, stressing that the exercises must be “professional, lawful, and free of unnecessary harassment.”
DSP John confirmed the arrest of one David Effiong, allegedly involved in masquerade-related disturbances, and three suspects accused of fabricating and circulating fake news — Lexis Christoper, Stephen Okwen, and a 15-year-old student, Miss Favour Emenyi. She said the suspects “are on their way to court.”
The CP urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
