The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men captured in a viral social media video allegedly assaulting and handcuffing an autorickshaw operator in Umuahia.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Kelechi, 41, of Amaeke Junction, Bende Road, Umuahia, and Bright Abraham, 42, of Atugun in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, were apprehended by detectives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia, on June 23, 2026.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA), an organization established to promote awareness against drug abuse.
However, the police alleged that the suspects unlawfully assumed the role of operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), carrying out unauthorized arrests within Umuahia and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of drug enforcement activities.
The command noted that the suspects’ actions were part of a recurring pattern of criminal conduct and disclosed that further investigations are ongoing to ensure their diligent prosecution.
The viral video, which sparked public outrage, showed two men—one dressed in an outfit resembling that of a community security operative and another in plain clothes—assaulting and handcuffing a tricycle rider.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
He explained that while the law permits private citizens to make arrests under limited circumstances, such actions must strictly comply with legal provisions. According to him, Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) allows a private person to arrest an individual caught committing an offence or reasonably suspected of committing one, provided the suspect is immediately handed over to the police.
The commissioner emphasized that the use of force, assault, intimidation, extortion, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies remains unlawful and punishable under the law.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain law-abiding, respect the rights of others, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The police also encouraged members of the public to make use of the command’s emergency lines whenever necessary as efforts continue to strengthen security and uphold the rule of law in Abia State.
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