The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a masquerader accused of unleashing unprovoked violent attacks on residents during a festival in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed the circulation of viral video clips showing the masquerader chasing and assaulting passers-by, disrupting a public function and creating panic in the community.
Our correspondent gathered on Wednesday that the incident occurred over the weekend during the last Ofala Festival of the late traditional ruler of Awgbu, Igwe M. C. Okechukwu (Ezedioramma II, Ezekanunu III).
Footage from the scene showed the masquerader going on a rampage—forcefully pushing riders off motorcycles, chasing people on sight and destroying equipment—while being cheered on by followers.
In one of the videos monitored by PUNCH Metro, the masquerader was seen pushing an elderly man off a motorcycle. Another clip captured an accident in which an elderly man reportedly fell from a moving motorcycle and hit his head on a parked vehicle.
Supporters of the masquerader were also seen throwing harmful objects, including plastic chairs, tables and sachet water, at people during the public function, further escalating the violence and endangering lives.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect had been taken into custody and that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other culprits.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra and other concerned persons, that the command has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens, which led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area.
“The command notes that the behaviour of the masquerader, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, is totally unacceptable and unlawful and will not be tolerated under any guise.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.”
PUNCH Metro had reported in February 2025 that the state government declared a masquerader identified as “Nweke” wanted for allegedly killing a 71-year-old man, Shedrack Okoye, during a masquerader outing at Umuawulu community in Awka South Local Government Area.
At the time, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Don Onyenji, said such acts contravened the Anambra State masquerading law enacted in 2022, which stipulates that masquerade displays must be confined to designated arenas during festivals.
He added that masquerades must not obstruct movement, block roads or cause disturbances, stressing that masquerading as a cultural practice is meant for fun and entertainment, not violence.
PUNCH.
