NEWS
Abia Police Arrest Two Over Viral Assault Video, Uncover Alleged Impersonation and Extortion Network
Abia Police Arrest Two Over Viral Assault Video, Uncover Alleged Impersonation and Extortion Network
The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men captured in a viral social media video that sparked widespread public outrage after showing the assault and handcuffing of an autorickshaw operator within Umuahia metropolis.
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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 by detectives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia, following intelligence-driven investigations by the Command.
According to the Police, the arrests were made on June 23, 2026, after authorities became aware of the disturbing viral video which showed two individuals, one dressed in attire resembling that of a community security operative and the other in plain clothes, allegedly assaulting and forcefully restraining a commercial tricycle rider.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA), an organization established to promote public awareness against drug abuse. However, the Police disclosed that the suspects allegedly exceeded the boundaries of the group’s mandate by impersonating operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and carrying out unauthorized enforcement activities across Umuahia.
The Command further alleged that the duo engaged in unlawful arrests under the guise of combating drug-related offences and extorted money from unsuspecting residents. Investigators believe the activities may have formed part of a recurring pattern of criminal operations carried out within the city.
Police authorities stated that discreet investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify any possible accomplices. The Command assured residents that diligent prosecution would be pursued to ensure justice is served and to discourage similar unlawful conduct by others.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, emphasized that while Nigerian law permits citizens to effect arrests in certain circumstances, such powers are strictly regulated by law and must not be abused.
The Commissioner explained that under Section 20 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a private individual may arrest a person caught committing an offence or reasonably suspected of having committed one. However, such suspects must be handed over immediately to the Police for proper investigation and prosecution.
He warned that the use of force, assault, intimidation, harassment, or the impersonation of law enforcement agencies for personal gain remains a criminal offence and will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Abia State and maintaining law and order in accordance with its constitutional responsibilities.
Residents were urged to remain law-abiding, respect the rights of fellow citizens, and avoid taking the law into their own hands. The Command also encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency response lines.
The arrest has been welcomed by many residents who viewed the viral footage as a troubling example of the dangers posed by individuals who unlawfully assume the powers of security agencies.
As investigations continue, the Abia State Police Command reaffirmed its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that all persons operating outside the law are brought to justice.
DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, who announced the development on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, assured residents that the Command remains committed to building a safer and more secure Abia for all.
