Police Arrest 62-Year-Old Alleged Secessionist Informant Over Extortion in Anambra

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The Anambra State Police Command says it has arrested one Bernard Odinchefu, a 62-year-old man alleged to be an informant for a secessionist group and the anchor of a major extortion network in Ihiala Local Government Area.

Odinchefu was arrested on Wednesday, October 1, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, police authorities confirmed.

Illegal Levies on Traders and Families

In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, alleged that Odinchefu coordinated the collection of illegal levies from residents in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities.

“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,” Ikenga said.

He added that the proceeds were allegedly remitted to Odinchefu’s commander in a terrorist camp. The suspect is now in custody while investigations continue.

Police Vow to Dismantle Criminal Structures

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured residents that the command remains committed to dismantling insurgent-linked networks.

“This arrest is part of our ongoing efforts to rid the state of elements exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of agitation,” Orutugu said.

Previous Raids on Secessionist Camps

The arrest comes weeks after similar security operations in the state.

On August 3, police operatives raided a secessionist camp in Awa, Orumba North LGA, killing four suspected members and rescuing a kidnapped victim. Again, on August 21, the Rapid Response Squad, in collaboration with the state Vigilante Group Agunechemba, stormed another camp in an operation that lasted more than 15 hours.

Recovered items included two pump action guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, a K2 assault rifle, three locally made IEDs, two empty gas cylinders, a radio transmission box, vehicles, food items, and identity documents.

Ongoing Security Operations

The Commissioner of Police said extensive operations were ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle other criminal hideouts in the state.

Further developments, he noted, would be communicated in due course.