The Abia state police command has arrested two men accused of posing as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and carrying out illegal enforcement activities in Umuahia.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were apprehended following investigations into a viral video that showed them assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider in the state capital.
DSP Maureen Chinaka, the police public relations officer disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to her, detectives attached to the Central Police Station in Umuahia launched an investigation after the video circulated on social media.
She explained that preliminary findings revealed the suspects were members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, an organisation established to promote awareness against drug abuse.
However, the police alleged that the duo used the platform to impersonate NDLEA operatives and conduct unlawful operations within the metropolis.
“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),” Chinaka stated.
She further alleged that the suspects carried out illegal arrests and extorted money from members of the public under the guise of enforcing drug laws.
Chinaka said investigations were 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,” she added.
Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
While noting that citizens are permitted under the law to arrest individuals caught committing offences, he stressed that 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 police command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.
The arrest comes amid increasing concerns over the activities of individuals allegedly posing as security personnel to harass and extort unsuspecting members of the public.