The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men accused of impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency after a viral video showed them assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider in Umuahia.
The suspects, Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were apprehended by detectives attached to the Central Police Station, Umuahia, following investigations into the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to her, the action followed the circulation of a video on social media showing two men—one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and another in plain clothes—physically assaulting and handcuffing an auto-rickshaw rider.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, a group established to promote awareness against drug abuse.
However, Chinaka alleged that the duo used the platform to pose as NDLEA officials and conduct illegal operations within the Umuahia metropolis.
She further claimed that the suspects carried out unlawful arrests and extorted money from members of the public under the guise of enforcing drug laws.
“The suspects were arrested following a viral video on social media depicting two individuals, one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and the other in plain clothes, assaulting and handcuffing an autorickshaw rider (keke driver),” the statement read.
The police spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing and assured that the suspects would face prosecution if found culpable.
“Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others,” Chinaka stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
According to him, while Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits private citizens to arrest individuals caught committing offences, such suspects must be handed over immediately to the police.
“The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies in order to extort remains unlawful, criminal and will not be tolerated,” the commissioner warned.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the impersonation of security personnel by criminal elements seeking to extort unsuspecting members of the public.