₦airaland Forum

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‎Ekpo Masquerade: How Barr. Ekom Nwoko Rescued Tradition in Court
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‎By Atuekong Paul Bassey
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‎The atmosphere inside the premises of Magistrate Court 1, Fulga Road, off Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, was unusually tense on Wednesday as people gathered in large numbers to witness an unprecedented case, the arraignment of an Ekpo masquerade, a figure traditionally revered but now standing trial for alleged misconduct.
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‎According to the motion for remand brought under Section 292 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, the Ekpo was arrested and charged with terrorism and disturbance of public peace, a development that sparked shock and debate. Seated in the dock in full masquerade attire, the defendant became the center of attention as murmurs filled the courtroom.
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‎While many expected the matter to be straightforward, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Barrister Ekom Nwoko, known for his firm grasp of the law, rose from the Bar. Nwoko, who had come to court for a different matter, announced his decision to represent the defendant pro bono.
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‎His intervention immediately changed the tone of the trial. In a calm but firm submission, Barr. Nwoko urged the court to consider the cultural context surrounding Ekpo masquerades, arguing that the allegations did not meet the legal threshold required to remand the defendant in a correctional facility. He stressed the need to distinguish cultural practices from criminal intent.
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‎Barr. Nwoko referred the court to Section 293 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, urging the court to determine whether there was any probable cause to remand the defendant. He further requested that the court invoke Section 294 of the same law to grant bail, noting the lack of evidence supporting the allegations.
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‎He also asked the court to thoroughly examine the affidavit filed by the prosecution, which, according to him, disclosed no reasonable or probable cause to justify remanding the defendant, especially since the alleged offence did not amount to terrorism.
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‎After considering his arguments, the Chief Magistrate granted bail to the Ekpo masquerade, a ruling that brought visible relief to those present.
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‎In a key directive, the Police Prosecutor was ordered to file a formal charge against the defendant, as the motion for remand was deemed inappropriate for the alleged offence.
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‎However, the matter is far from over. The case has been adjourned to December 19, 2025, for further hearing as the court prepares to review the charges.
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‎The arrest and ongoing trial have continued to spark discussions, with mixed reactions on where the line between cultural heritage and legal boundaries should be drawn.
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‎For now, all eyes remain on the next hearing and on Barrister Nwoko, whose unexpected intervention has become a defining moment in the case.
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jababa:
‎
‎Ekpo Masquerade: How Barr. Ekom Nwoko Rescued Tradition in Court
‎
‎By Atuekong Paul Bassey
‎
‎The atmosphere inside the premises of Magistrate Court 1, Fulga Road, off Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, was unusually tense on Wednesday as people gathered in large numbers to witness an unprecedented case, the arraignment of an Ekpo masquerade, a figure traditionally revered but now standing trial for alleged misconduct.
‎
‎According to the motion for remand brought under Section 292 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, the Ekpo was arrested and charged with terrorism and disturbance of public peace, a development that sparked shock and debate. Seated in the dock in full masquerade attire, the defendant became the center of attention as murmurs filled the courtroom.
‎
‎While many expected the matter to be straightforward, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Barrister Ekom Nwoko, known for his firm grasp of the law, rose from the Bar. Nwoko, who had come to court for a different matter, announced his decision to represent the defendant pro bono.
‎
‎His intervention immediately changed the tone of the trial. In a calm but firm submission, Barr. Nwoko urged the court to consider the cultural context surrounding Ekpo masquerades, arguing that the allegations did not meet the legal threshold required to remand the defendant in a correctional facility. He stressed the need to distinguish cultural practices from criminal intent.
‎
‎Barr. Nwoko referred the court to Section 293 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, urging the court to determine whether there was any probable cause to remand the defendant. He further requested that the court invoke Section 294 of the same law to grant bail, noting the lack of evidence supporting the allegations.
‎
‎He also asked the court to thoroughly examine the affidavit filed by the prosecution, which, according to him, disclosed no reasonable or probable cause to justify remanding the defendant, especially since the alleged offence did not amount to terrorism.
‎
‎After considering his arguments, the Chief Magistrate granted bail to the Ekpo masquerade, a ruling that brought visible relief to those present.
‎
‎In a key directive, the Police Prosecutor was ordered to file a formal charge against the defendant, as the motion for remand was deemed inappropriate for the alleged offence.
‎
‎However, the matter is far from over. The case has been adjourned to December 19, 2025, for further hearing as the court prepares to review the charges.
‎
‎The arrest and ongoing trial have continued to spark discussions, with mixed reactions on where the line between cultural heritage and legal boundaries should be drawn.
‎
‎For now, all eyes remain on the next hearing and on Barrister Nwoko, whose unexpected intervention has become a defining moment in the case.
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Barrister, you really try for the masquerade.

Burob:
Barrister, you really try for the masquerade.

Just one good comment in this wasted years on nairaland.

Arrangee defence and defective prosecution from the state actors,the senior NWOKO work hands in gloves with government,and the post here has sinister motive,marketing strategy,of all the sponsored cult activities in the state it is the ekpo masquerade that has committed offence.
When will the state mentality grow above the"PARIHA"that has become the new face of development.No law here but just a shenanigan from both ends while the masquerade is a political Scape goat,the overly righteous actors should provide a job for masquerade if they are serious.

Burob:
Barrister, you really try for the masquerade.

The Barrister is a true Son of the Soil!

If they want to arraign the Culprit, let him be charge for his crime as an individual; arraigning him in his masquerade costume is dragging our tradition in the mud!