Oluwafunbi Bello 
UMUAHIA, Nigeria – The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men accused of impersonating officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and allegedly extorting residents in Umuahia while posing as anti-drug operatives.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were arrested by detectives attached to the Central Police Station following investigations into a viral video showing an autorickshaw rider being assaulted and handcuffed.
Police spokesperson DSP Maureen Chinaka disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy group.
According to the police, the pair allegedly exploited the platform to conduct unauthorised operations and falsely present themselves as NDLEA officials within the Umuahia area.
“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,” Chinaka said.
Investigators allege that the suspects carried out unlawful arrests and demanded money from members of the public while claiming to enforce drug-related laws.
The police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing and assured residents that the matter would be thoroughly prosecuted.
“Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.
Abia State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, noting that although Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits citizens’ arrests under specific circumstances, suspects must immediately be handed over to law enforcement agencies.
“The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies in order to extort remains unlawful, criminal and will not be tolerated,” Isa said.
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