The Abia State Government on Monday reportedly intercepted a convoy belonging to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Aba following the arrest of 59 youths who were said to be en route to Abuja.

Governor Alex Otti was reported to have ordered his security team to stop the convoy after learning of the arrests, insisting on the immediate release of those detained.

Reacting to the incident, the governor said young people in Aba should not be profiled or treated as criminals, stressing that arrests must be based on clear evidence rather than suspicion.

“Aba youths are not thieves, kidnappers or criminal herdsmen. No agency will unjustly arrest my people under my watch,” Mr Otti was quoted as saying. He added that security agencies should focus their efforts on tackling armed groups responsible for attacks on communities rather than targeting innocent residents.

All 59 youths were subsequently released following the intervention by the state government.

The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of reporting.