It was gathered that the suspect is in charge of the collection of illegal levies from traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities, where he collects ₦10,000 and above monthly from each trader and ₦100,000 and above from families conducting burial ceremonies.

In a statement on Thursday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect remits the illegal proceeds to his commander in a terrorist camp.

Ikenga added that he was arrested by police operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on Wednesday.

He said, “Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, on October 1, 2025, arrested one Bernard Odinchefu, a 62-year-old male suspect and alleged informant of a secessionist group, anchoring a major extortion network operating in parts of Ihiala Local Government Area.

“Preliminary information revealed 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 Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assures residents of the Command’s continued commitment to dismantling criminal structures linked to insurgent groups.”

He emphasised that the arrest is part of the ongoing efforts to rid the State of elements exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of agitation.