An Enugu Magistrate Court sitting in the Nsukka Magisterial District has ordered the remand of three individuals in connection with the Oriokpa Masquerade assault incident, which left several members of the public injured.
The accused—Emeka Eze (33), Omeke Uchechukwu (22), and Malachi Michael Nnaemeka (30)—were arrested on Tuesday by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command. They were arraigned on a three-count charge including conspiracy, extortion through intimidation, and causing grievous bodily harm.
According to a statement issued Saturday by Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe, the trio allegedly attacked members of the public under the pretense of participating in the Oriokpa Masquerade festivities. The case has been adjourned to July 31, 2025, for further hearing.
SP Ndukwe noted that the Commissioner of Police has directed a continued manhunt for other members of the masquerade group who remain at large.
The incident, which occurred on June 22, gained public attention after a viral video surfaced showing masqueraders assaulting residents along Aku Road in Nsukka. Police confirmed that one male victim was hospitalized as a result of injuries sustained in the attack.
“The suspects were apprehended with the help of responsible members of the community, while others managed to flee,” Ndukwe stated.
He also relayed the Commissioner’s appeal to community leaders across Enugu State, urging them to discourage criminal acts disguised as cultural or traditional practices.
The police assured the public that justice will be pursued vigorously and that efforts are ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.