A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has delivered a landmark judgment in favour of an Ekpo masquerade practitioner, ruling that his arrest and detention by state authorities were unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.
The masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, was apprehended by security operatives enforcing Governor Umo Eno’s executive order banning street masquerade displays across Akwa Ibom. He was detained while performing traditional rites during the festive period.
In the ruling, the court declared that the arrest infringed on the masquerade’s constitutional rights to personal liberty, freedom of religion, and cultural expression, stressing that Ekpo masquerade practice is a legally recognised traditional religion in Nigeria.
The judge ordered the immediate release of the practitioner and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the rights violation.
The decision has generated significant reactions across social media and cultural circles, with many describing it as a major victory for indigenous religion and cultural rights in Nigeria. Analysts say the judgment could set an important precedent for protecting traditional practices from overreaching government regulations.
