Three individuals arrested in connection with a violent masquerade-related attack in Nsukka, Enugu State, have been remanded by the court in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre.
The suspects identified as 33-year-old Emeka Eze, 22-year-old Omeke Uchechukwu, and 30-year-old Malachi Michael Nnaemeka, were arraigned before the Nsukka Magistrate Court on charges of conspiracy, demanding money with menaces, and causing grievous bodily harm.
Their arraignment followed a disturbing incident that occurred on June 22, 2025, along Aku Road in Nsukka, during the celebration of the Oriokpa Masquerade.
SaharaReporters had reported that a viral video of the incident captured one male victim being brutally assaulted by the masqueraders.
The victim, who was brutally beaten by the masquerades until he fainted, sustained serious injuries and was subsequently hospitalised.
The incident stirred public outrage, compelling the Enugu State Police Command to deploy its operatives who, with the assistance from members of the community, identified and arrested the three suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said that other individuals involved in the attack remain at large.
Confirming their remand in a statement issued on Saturday, the police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police has directed intensified manhunt operations to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Ndukwe said the Commissioner also called on traditional and community leaders across the state to caution their followers against engaging in criminal acts under the pretext of cultural festivities.
“He also urged community leaders across Enugu State to caution their subjects against committing crimes under the guise of masquerade or other cultural celebrations,” he stated.
According to him, the case has been adjourned to July 31, 2025, for further hearing.