By: Sunday Ameh
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man, Bernard Odinchefu, over alleged involvement in a major extortion ring linked to a secessionist group in Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to a statement on Thursday by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect was responsible for collecting illegal levies from traders and families in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities.
Investigations revealed that Odinchefu allegedly extorted not less than ₦10,000 monthly from each trader and demanded over ₦100,000 from families before burial ceremonies could be conducted. The illicit proceeds, police said, were remitted to his commander at a terrorist camp.
Ikenga confirmed that the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. He added that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks exploiting residents under the guise of agitation.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured the public of the command’s commitment to flushing out insurgent-linked structures and urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies.
This development comes weeks after police operatives, in collaboration with the state vigilante group, dislodged a secessionist camp in Awa, Orumba North, killing four suspects and rescuing a kidnapped victim.
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