The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men accused of posing as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after they were caught on video assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider in Umuahia.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were apprehended by detectives attached to the Central Police Station in Umuahia following investigations into the incident, which gained widespread attention on social media
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the arrests were made after a viral video showed the two men physically attacking and restraining an auto-rickshaw operator. One of the suspects was dressed in clothing resembling that of a community security operative, while the other wore plain clothes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, an organization established to promote awareness against drug abuse. However, police alleged that the duo exploited the platform to impersonate NDLEA personnel and conduct unauthorized operations within the Umuahia metropolis.
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The command further accused the suspects of carrying out unlawful arrests and extorting money from members of the public while falsely presenting themselves as drug law enforcement officers.
Chinaka stated that investigations are ongoing and assured residents that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The suspects were arrested following a viral video depicting two individuals assaulting and handcuffing a tricycle rider. Investigations are ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution and serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.
Abia State Commissioner of Police, , warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. He noted that although private citizens may arrest individuals caught committing offences under the law, such suspects must be immediately handed over to the police.
He emphasized that the use of force, intimidation, assault, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies for the purpose of extortion remains illegal and would not be tolerated.
The police command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.
The arrests come amid increasing concerns over the activities of individuals impersonating security personnel to harass and extort unsuspecting members of the public.
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