Suspects accused of impersonating NDLEA officials allegedly extorted residents after a viral video showed an auto-rickshaw rider being assaulted in Umuahia

The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men accused of impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after a viral video captured them allegedly assaulting and handcuffing an auto-rickshaw rider in Umuahia, the state capital.

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The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were apprehended by detectives attached to the Central Police Station, Umuahia, following investigations launched after the video surfaced on social media.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the arrests.

According to Chinaka, the footage showed two men, one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and another in plain clothes, physically attacking and handcuffing a commercial tricycle operator.

The incident generated widespread concern online and prompted police authorities to commence investigations into the identities and activities of the individuals involved.

Preliminary findings, according to the police, revealed that the suspects were members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, an organisation established to promote awareness and advocacy against drug abuse.

However, investigators alleged that the pair used the platform as a cover to conduct unauthorised operations while falsely presenting themselves as NDLEA personnel within the Umuahia 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 added that investigations indicated the suspects allegedly engaged in unlawful arrests and extorted money from members of the public under the guise of enforcing drug-related laws.

The Abia Police Arrest Fake NDLEA Operatives case has renewed concerns over the growing trend of criminal elements impersonating security and law enforcement agencies to intimidate unsuspecting residents.

Chinaka said detectives were expanding investigations to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify any possible accomplices.

“Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or carrying out unauthorised enforcement activities.

Isa acknowledged that Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits private citizens to arrest individuals caught committing offences. However, he stressed that such arrests must be immediately reported to the police for proper legal processing.

“The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies in order to extort remains unlawful and criminal and will not be tolerated,” the commissioner warned.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that those who violate the law are brought to justice.

The police also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.

Cases involving the impersonation of security personnel have become a recurring concern across parts of Nigeria, with authorities repeatedly warning that only legally recognised agencies have the authority to carry out law enforcement duties.

Security experts have argued that such illegal activities not only undermine public confidence in genuine law enforcement institutions but also expose citizens to abuse, extortion and violations of their fundamental rights.

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The latest arrest underscores ongoing efforts by the Abia State Police Command to curb criminal activities and protect residents from individuals exploiting security-related identities for personal gain.