A state High Court sitting in Uyo Akwa Ibom State has awarded damages to a masquerade arrested by the police command for allegedly disturbing public peace while carrying out its traditional worship practices in the state.
The Governor of the state had raised Executive Order mandating the Commissioner of Police to arrest any masquerade during yueltide.
Following the order, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, was arrested and charged to the state court
But in a landmark ruling, the court ruled in the favour of the masquerade and its owner.
According to Judge, the gods (Ekpo), a traditional worship practice, has the rights of its adherents in Akwa Ibom State.
Recall that Mr. Effiong, a traditional worshipper, was detained for allegedly disturbing public peace while participating in a masquerade.
The court didn’t only ordered his immediate and unconditional release but also mandated the Akwa Ibom Government to pay damages for infringing upon his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts say the ruling underscores the legal protection afforded to traditional religious practices in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of respecting diverse forms of worship.
