Law enforcement apprehends pair of impostors posing as narcotics agents in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has apprehended two individuals, Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, for allegedly posing as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, following a viral video that captured them assaulting and handcuffing an auto-rickshaw rider in Umuahia.

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These suspects were taken into custody by detectives from the Central Police Station in Umuahia, as part of an investigation into the incident, according to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on Wednesday.

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A video circulating on social media showed two men, one wearing clothing similar to that of a community security operative and the other in plain clothes, physically assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle operator, which prompted the arrests.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy, an organisation aimed at promoting awareness against drug abuse, but allegedly used this platform as a cover to impersonate NDLEA personnel and conduct illegal operations in Umuahia.

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The police spokesperson alleged that the duo engaged in unlawful arrests and extorted money from the public under the guise of enforcing drug laws, prompting a thorough investigation into their activities.

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According to the statement, the suspects were arrested after a viral video depicted 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.

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The police spokesperson stated that investigations are ongoing, and the command is determined to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others, with discreet investigations being conducted to achieve this goal.

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Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, highlighting that while private citizens can arrest individuals caught committing offences under Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, such suspects must be immediately handed over to the police.

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The commissioner warned that using force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies to extort remains unlawful and will not be tolerated, emphasizing the need for the public to cooperate with security agencies.

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The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines to prevent such incidents.

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The arrest comes amid growing concerns over cases of impersonation of security personnel by criminal elements seeking to extort unsuspecting members of the public, with security agencies repeatedly warning against unauthorized enforcement activities by individuals or groups not recognised by law.