Impostors posing as NDLEA agents land in Abia police net

The Abia State Police Command has apprehended two individuals accused of impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The arrests followed the circulation of a viral video showing the men assaulting and handcuffing an auto-rickshaw rider in Umuahia.

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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).

Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were arrested by detectives from the Central Police Station in Umuahia. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, preliminary investigations revealed the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy. However, she stated they allegedly used this platform to impersonate NDLEA personnel for illegal operations.

Chinaka alleged that the duo conducted unlawful arrests and extorted money from the public under the guise of enforcing drug laws. The viral video depicted one suspect in attire resembling a community security operative and the other in plain clothes, physically assaulting and handcuffing the tricycle operator. Investigations are ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution and deter others from similar acts.

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Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others.

Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands. He reminded citizens that while private arrests are permitted under certain laws, suspects must be handed over to the police immediately. The commissioner warned that the use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies for extortion is unlawful and will not be tolerated.

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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.