The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended Bernard Odinchefu, a 62-year-old man and alleged informant for a secessionist group, who is reportedly running a significant extortion network in parts of Ihiala Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that the suspect is responsible for collecting illegal levies from traders in the Isseke and Orsumoghu communities, demanding ₦10,000 or more per month from each trader and ₦100,000 or more from families holding burial ceremonies.
In a statement on Thursday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, stated that the suspect channels the illegal funds to his commander at a terrorist camp.
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Ikenga further stated that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday by police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.
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 stressed that the arrest is part of the state’s continued efforts to protect citizens from those taking advantage of agitation for personal gain.
