Umuahia, Abia State – The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men in connection with the assault and unlawful arrest of a commercial tricycle operator, an incident that was captured in a viral video circulating widely on social media.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, of Amaeke Junction, Bende Road, Umuahia, and Bright Abraham, 42, of Ohuhu Atugun in Umuahia North Local Government Area, were apprehended on June 23, 2026, by detectives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia.
According to the Police Command, the arrests followed actionable intelligence gathered after a video surfaced online showing two individuals—one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and the other in plain clothes—assaulting and handcuffing a tricycle rider.
Impersonation and Extortion
Police investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA), an organisation established to promote awareness against drug abuse. However, preliminary findings indicate that the suspects allegedly impersonated operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), carrying out unlawful arrests within the Umuahia metropolis under the guise of drug enforcement activities.
The Command further alleged that the suspects extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public, describing the acts as part of a recurring pattern of criminal operations. It added that investigations are ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution and serve as a deterrent to others.
Police Commissioner Warns Against Impersonation
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterated that although the law permits private citizens to effect arrests under limited circumstances, such actions must comply strictly with legal provisions. He explained that under Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a private person may arrest an offender caught in the act or reasonably suspected of committing an offence, but such individuals must be handed over immediately to the police.
The police commissioner warned that the use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies for the purpose of extortion remains unlawful and criminal and would not be tolerated. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property as well as the maintenance of law and order across the state.
Appeal to the Public
The Command urged residents to remain law-abiding, respect the rights of others, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Members of the public were advised to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.
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