Police Arrest Two Over Assault, Impersonation In Abia

The Abia State Police Command has arrested two men allegedly involved in the assault and unlawful arrest of a commercial tricycle operator, an incident captured in a viral video circulating 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 by detectives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia, on June 23, 2026.

According to the Police statement on Tuesday signed by DSP Maureen Chinaka, the command public relations officer, 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.

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.

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.

The statement reads in parts, “The Abia State Police Command is aware of the 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). Acting on actionable intelligence, Detective from Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia, on 23/06/2026 apprehended the suspects, who were identified as members of the Social Watch Anti-Drugs Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA).

“Preliminary investigation revealed that while SWADAA is an association established to promote awareness against drug abuse, the suspects allegedly impersonated operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),engaging in unlawful arrest within Umuahia metropolis under the guise of drug enforcement and extorting money from unsuspecting victims, which has become a pattern of their criminal Operations. Discreet investigation is ongoing to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others

“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterates that though the law permits citizens to effect arrests in limited circumstances, such actions must strictly comply with legal provisions. 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. However, such suspects must be immediately handed over to the Police. The use of force, assault, intimidation, or impersonation of law enforcement agencies in order to extort remains unlawful, criminal and will not be tolerated.

“The Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of law and order in line with its Constitutional mandate. Members of the public are therefore strongly advised to remain law-abiding, respect the rights of others, and refrain from taking laws into their hands”.