The suspects were identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, of Amaeke Junction, Bende Road, Umuahia, and Bright Abraham, 42, of Ohuhu, Atugun, in Umuahia North Local Government Area
By Emeka Uche
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Published on June 24, 2026
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3 min read
The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men captured in a viral social media video allegedly assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle rider while impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The suspects were identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, of Amaeke Junction, Bende Road, Umuahia, and Bright Abraham, 42, of Ohuhu, Atugun, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, detectives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia, arrested the suspects on 23 June 2026 following actionable intelligence after the video circulated on social media.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA), an organisation established to promote awareness against drug abuse.
However, the Command alleged that the duo unlawfully presented themselves as NDLEA operatives, carrying out arrests within Umuahia metropolis under the guise of drug enforcement.
The police further alleged that the suspects assaulted victims and extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public, describing the activities as part of a recurring pattern of criminal operations.
The Command said investigations are continuing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects and to deter similar offences.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Danladi Isa, reiterated that while Nigerian law permits private citizens to make arrests in limited circumstances, such actions must comply strictly with the law.
He explained that under Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a private person may arrest an offender caught committing an offence or reasonably suspected of committing one, but the suspect must be handed over to the police without delay.
Isa warned that the use of force, assault, intimidation or the impersonation of law enforcement agencies to extort members of the public remains unlawful and would not be tolerated.
“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 said.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across the state.
The Command urged residents to remain law-abiding, respect the rights of others and avoid taking the law into their own hands. It also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.
