A 19-year-old man, Suleiman Isah, was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State for allegedly sexually harassing a Muslim girl. The incident occurred while Isah was dressed in a masquerade costume during a local festival.

19-year-old Suleiman Isah, from the Eggan community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was dressed as a masquerade and reportedly saw a Muslim girl who was on her way from an Islamic school. He then allegedly chased and forcefully hugged her.The NSCDC in Kogi State arrested him following a complaint. The spokesperson for the NSCDC in the state, Alexander Ogbu, confirmed the arrest. He was arrested for alleged sexual harassment and an act capable of breaching public peace.The NSCDC made it clear that while masquerade festivals are a cultural practice, the action of the suspect was not a cultural display but a criminal act. The corps emphasized that culture is not an excuse to commit crimes like sexual harassment. They stated that the suspect’s action was an abuse of the privilege granted for the cultural festival.

The authorities drew a firm line, stating that the suspect’s behavior was not part of the accepted cultural norms for masquerades. They used the incident to send a message that the law will not tolerate criminal acts, especially against vulnerable individuals, hidden under the guise of tradition or culture.

1. The incident sparked conversations on social media and in local communities about the safety of women and girls during public festivals and the need to regulate cultural activities to prevent abuse.

In conclusion, the arrest of the 19-year-old masquerader in Kogi was a significant event that highlighted the importance of upholding the law and protecting individual rights, even within the context of cultural celebrations. The authorities’ swift action was seen as a step towards ensuring that cultural practices do not become a cover for harassment and criminal behavior.