The masquerade, known locally as Oriokpa, was caught in the act of physically assaulting a female victim at Ugwuoye Junction in Nsukka. The suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Ugwuoke Ebube, was promptly arrested and subsequently arraigned in court on Wednesday. The court has since granted him bail.

DSP Ndukwe explained that the investigation suggested Ugwuoke was part of a group of masqueraders involved in a similar assault on a female nurse riding a motorcycle, an incident that went viral in April 2024.

"He was today, May 22, 2024, arraigned in the Nsukka Magistrate Court of Enugu State, Nigeria, but was granted bail by the court," Ndukwe confirmed.

The state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, condemned the act, emphasizing the importance of not allowing cultural practices to be used as a cover for criminal behavior. He warned those who might use the guise of masquerades to commit assaults to desist immediately.