Culture

Oriokpa Masquerade Assault Case Leads to Court Remand in Enugu

Published

1 year ago

June 28, 2025

Enugu Magistrate Court remands three over Oriokpa masquerade assault, as police vow to arrest others and ensure justice for victims

The Oriokpa masquerade assault case has taken a legal turn as three individuals linked to the violent incident have been remanded by an Enugu Magistrate Court sitting in the Nsukka Magisterial District.

Also read: Egungun festival in Oyo: A Spectacular Fusion of Egungun Masquerade, Fuji Music and Amala Cuisine

The accused persons, identified as Emeka Eze (33), Omeke Uchechukwu (22), and Malachi Michael Nnaemeka (30), were arrested by officers of the Enugu State Police Command and arraigned on Tuesday.

The court ordered their remand on three-count charges, including conspiracy, demanding money with menaces, and causing grievous harm.

The police allege that the suspects took part in a brutal attack on innocent residents during the Oriokpa masquerade celebration along Aku Road in Nsukka on 22 June.

A video of the assault went viral, sparking public outrage and drawing attention to the abuse of cultural events for violent conduct.

A male victim of the attack sustained severe injuries and was hospitalised, according to the police. Investigations quickly led to the arrest of the three suspects with support from concerned members of the community, while others involved reportedly fled the scene.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the masquerade group who are currently at large,” said Police Spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe in a statement released on Saturday.

He added that the case has been adjourned to 31 July 2025 for further hearing. Meanwhile, community leaders across Enugu State have been urged to rein in excesses during cultural displays and prevent further incidents of violence.

SP Ndukwe emphasised the police command’s commitment to justice, stating, “The law does not grant cultural cover to criminality. Anyone who hides behind traditions to inflict harm on others will be brought to book.”

Also read: Okemesi-Ekiti buzzes with iconic Oladunwo Festival, calls for tourism investment

The arrest and arraignment signal a stern warning against the misuse of masquerade processions and reinforce the state’s stand against public disorder masked as culture.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”