An Enugu Magistrate’s Court in the Nsukka Magisterial District has ordered the remand of three individuals in connection with the recent Oriokpa Masquerade assault that left several members of the public injured.
The suspects — Emeka Eze (33), Omeke Uchechukwu (22), and Malachi Michael Nnaemeka (30) — were arrested on Tuesday by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command and subsequently arraigned. They face a three-count charge of conspiracy, extortion by intimidation, and causing grievous bodily harm.
According to the police, the accused were part of a group that, under the pretext of celebrating the Oriokpa Masquerade, violently assaulted residents. The incident, which occurred on June 22 along Aku Road in Nsukka, was captured in a viral video and led to the hospitalization of at least one male victim.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Saturday, said the case has been adjourned to July 31, 2025, for further hearing.
He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the masquerade group.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed intensified manhunt for the remaining suspects and called on community leaders to caution their people against using cultural festivities as a cover for criminal acts,” Ndukwe stated.
He emphasized the command’s commitment to ensuring justice and preventing similar incidents across the state.
