The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men accused of impersonating officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency after a viral video showed them assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider in Umuahia.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were apprehended by detectives from the Central Police Station in Umuahia following investigations into the incident.
According to police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka, the arrests were prompted by the circulation of a video showing the two men physically assaulting and restraining an auto-rickshaw driver.
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 allege that they used the platform as a cover to pose as NDLEA operatives and conduct unauthorized enforcement activities within the Umuahia metropolis.
Authorities further alleged that the suspects carried out illegal arrests and extorted money from members of the public while falsely presenting themselves as drug enforcement officers.
Police said investigations are continuing and that efforts are underway to ensure the suspects are prosecuted if sufficient evidence is established.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. While noting that citizens may lawfully arrest individuals caught committing offences under certain circumstances, he emphasized that suspects must be handed over to the police immediately.
He stressed that assault, intimidation, extortion, and impersonation of law enforcement agencies remain criminal offences and will not be tolerated.
The police command also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency channels as part of efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
