Anambra Lawmaker, Udemezue Confronts Security Operatives Over Arrest, Alleged Extortion Of Young Men
A lawmaker in Anambra State, Hon. Bernard Udemezue, popularly known as Isi Enyi, has confronted security operatives after discovering that several young men had been bundled into a bus, with their mobile phones reportedly seized.
The incident, which occurred at an undisclosed location in the state, sparked an argument between the lawmaker and the operatives over the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Udemezue accused the security personnel of unlawfully arresting the young men and confiscating their phones without justification.
However, the operatives reportedly defended their actions, claiming that the young men were suspected cultists. They also accused the lawmaker of obstructing them while carrying out their duties.
The lawmaker, however, insisted that seizing people’s mobile phones was not part of the operatives’ lawful responsibilities at the location.
The confrontation has since generated reactions on social media, with several Nigerians alleging that young men in Anambra State have repeatedly been subjected to arbitrary arrests and extortion by security operatives.Buy Maps
One social media user, who claimed to have experienced a similar incident, wrote:
“Been happening in Anambra State for the longest. They just pack boys in their bus, take them to their office and extort them. Mind you, I have been a victim.”
Another commenter recalled how he allegedly secured his release after paying money, saying:
“Hahaha, I have once been a victim and I was bailed out with ₦20,000.”
A third user also alleged that security operatives frequently use accusations of cultism as an excuse to harass young men.
“They’re not any cultists. I was a victim and my two friends were victims too. They use cultism as an excuse to stop young boys and carry them. They’ll search your phone in disguise of looking for a cultist, and they’ll still collect money from you,” the user alleged.
Another commenter compared the conduct of security personnel in different parts of the country, writing:
“The way security operatives, even gatemen, behave in the southern part of this country is way different from the North.”
Similarly, another social media user described Anambra as an unpleasant place for young people, alleging that police officers in the state routinely engage in extortion.
“Anambra is the worst place to live in Nigeria as a youth. The police there are criminals. I have been a victim of the extortion,” the commenter wrote.
The allegations have renewed concerns about police conduct, arbitrary arrests and the alleged extortion of young Nigerians, with calls for security agencies to ensure that officers operate within the limits of the law.
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