Police nab two fake NDLEA operatives in Abia

Authorities in Abia State, Nigeria, have apprehended two individuals accused of impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The arrests followed the circulation of a video on social media depicting the men assaulting and handcuffing a commercial tricycle operator 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).

The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, and Bright Abraham, 42, were taken into custody by detectives from the Central Police Station, Umuahia. According to DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer, preliminary investigations revealed that the men were members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy. However, Chinaka stated that they allegedly used this organization as a cover to impersonate NDLEA personnel and engage in unlawful activities.

Chinaka further alleged that the duo conducted illegal arrests and extorted money from the public under the guise of enforcing drug laws. The viral video showed one suspect in attire resembling a community security operative and the other in plain clothes, physically accosting the tricycle rider. The police command is continuing its investigation to ensure the diligent prosecution of the suspects, aiming to deter others from similar offenses.

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

Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands. While acknowledging that private citizens can arrest individuals caught committing offenses under Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, he stressed that such suspects must be handed over to the police immediately. "The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies in order to extort remains unlawful, criminal and will not be tolerated," Isa warned. The command urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or emergency hotlines.

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