The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men accused of impersonating officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and carrying out illegal enforcement activities in Umuahia, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were apprehended following an investigation triggered by a viral video showing them assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Chinaka, detectives attached to the Central Police Station in Umuahia launched an investigation after the video surfaced online, showing two men allegedly harassing an auto-rickshaw operator. One of the suspects was dressed in clothing similar to that worn by community security personnel, while the other was in plain clothes.
She said preliminary findings revealed that the suspects belong to the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, a group established to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
However, the police alleged that the duo exploited the platform to pose as NDLEA operatives and conduct unauthorized operations across parts of Umuahia.
“The suspects were arrested following a viral video showing two individuals assaulting and handcuffing a tricycle operator,” Chinaka stated.
She further alleged that the men engaged in unlawful arrests and extorted money from residents while pretending to enforce drug-related laws.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations were ongoing and assured that the suspects would be prosecuted if found culpable.
“Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects and serve as a deterrent to others who may engage in similar acts,” she added.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
While acknowledging that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits citizens to arrest individuals caught committing offences, he stressed that such suspects must be promptly handed over to the police for proper legal action.
“The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies for the purpose of extortion is unlawful and will not be tolerated,” Isa said.
The police command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency channels.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate and extort unsuspecting members of the public.
