A High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital in a landmark judgement that resonates across the state’s cultural and legal landscapes, has declared the arrest and detention of Ekpo masquerade unlawful on Thursday.

The presiding judge described the state government’s clampdown on masquerade activities under an “Executive Order” as an infringement on Ekponta masquerade’s fundamental human rights.

The ruling comes amid a controversial state-wide ban on masquerades, a policy that has drawn criticism from traditional institutions, human-rights advocates, and cultural preservation groups.

This journalist authoritatively recalls that, Mr. Effiong – the man behind the Ekponta masquerade and a respected member of the Ekpo traditional society, was arrested last month on the orders of Governor Umo Eno after participating in a customary procession believed to be part of an annual ancestral rites, which began across the state depending on communities from April through December every year.

Security operatives detained him for allegedly violating the government’s new directive hurriedly out in place, prohibiting public appearances by masquerades.

Witnesses say the arrest sparked tension in his community, where Ekpo is not merely entertainment but a sacred embodiment of ancestral presence and a central aspect of indigenous spiritual worship.

In a strongly worded judgment delivered on Thursday, the presiding judge ruled that the arrest and continued detention of Mr. Effiong violated his constitutional rights specifically, his freedom of religion, cultural expression, and personal liberty.

“The arrest of traditional worshipper, Mr. Effiong, in Akwa Ibom is unlawful,” the court declared, ordering his immediate and unconditional release.

The court further held that the state government failed to justify why a citizen engaging in traditional religious practice should be criminalized under a policy that had no clear legal backing, and awarded monetary damages to Mr. Effiong beyond his unconditional discharge.

Government action, Court declared was a complete violation of Ekponta masquerade’s fundamental human rights, disruption of his religious worship, emotional and psychological distress caused by his detention.

Legal analysts said, the ruling sets a significant precedent, especially in cases where government policies collide with constitutionally protected traditional worship practices.

Human Rights lawyer, Barrister Jacob Brown Udobang described the existence of Ekpo masquerade practices as central to many communities across Akwa Ibom, and forms part of the region’s traditional religion; a spiritual expression that predates modern political structures.

Stakeholders in the Ekponta masquerade society who spoke under anonymity also argued that, the state’s ban disregarded centuries-old customs, while human-rights groups have insisted that freedom of worship applies equally to indigenous practices.

Meanwhile, the news of the court’s decision triggered wild celebrations in Mr. Effiong’s hometown, as Elders of the Ekpo society praised the judiciary for what they described as a “victory for culture, justice, and ancestral dignity.”

“This judgment restores respect to our traditions and reminds the government that culture cannot be outlawed,” one of the community leaders commented.

While the celebration galore persisted as of press time, the Akwa Ibom State government had not issued an official statement regarding the ruling, nor indicated whether it plans to appeal the decision.

The landmark judgement is expected to influence broader discussions on the legal status of traditional religious practices in Nigeria, especially where government policies appear to conflict with constitutional freedoms.

For many, the victory of the Ekpo masquerade in court symbolizes more than a legal win; it reflects the ongoing struggle to preserve indigenous identity in the face of modern regulation.