BY BETI ONU
OPERATIVES of the Anambra State Police Command attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu have arrested an alleged informant of a secessionist group anchoring a major extortion network operating in parts of the Ihiala Local Government Area of the State.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who announced the arrest in a statement in Awka, the suspect, Mr Bernard Odinchefu, age 62, was arrested on October 1, 2025.
Ikenga said, “Preliminary information reveals that the suspect is in charge of illegal levies on traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities, collecting ₦10,000 and above monthly from each trader and extorting ₦100,000 and above from families conducting burial ceremonies before the occasion or any such related event takes place in the area.
‘’The illicit proceeds were allegedly remitted to his Commander in a terrorist camp. The suspect is in custody, and further investigation is ongoing.
‘’To this end, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assures residents of the Command’s continued commitment to dismantling criminal structures linked to insurgent groups.
He also emphasised that the arrest is part of the ongoing efforts to rid the State of elements exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of agitation.
