Enugu: Court remands three Oriokpa masqueraders in prison for public assaults

An Enugu Magistrate Court has remanded three masqueraders in prison custody following violent attacks on members of the public during the celebration of the ‘Oriokpa’

Masquerade festival.

Emeka Eze (33), Omeke Uchechukwu (22), and Malachi Nnaemeka (30) were arrested by state police operatives last Tuesday. They face a three-count charge including conspiracy, demanding money with menaces (extortion), and causing grievous bodily harm.

Police allege the suspects, operating under the cover of the traditional Oriokpa Masquerade festivities, physically assaulted and inflicted serious injuries on citizens.

Their actions gained widespread attention after a viral video captured masqueraders assaulting residents along Aku Road in Nsukka on June 22nd.

Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe confirmed one male victim required hospitalization due to injuries sustained in the attacks. “With the assistance of law-abiding community members, the three suspects were identified and arrested, while others fled,” Ndukwe stated in a Saturday release.

The case has been adjourned until July 31, 2025, for further hearing. Meanwhile, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police has ordered a manhunt for the remaining members of the masquerade group involved in the attacks, who are currently at large.