The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a 62-year-old man, Bernard Odinchefu, described as an alleged informant of a secessionist group and key operator of an extortion ring in parts of Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to findings, the suspect oversaw the collection of illegal levies from residents and traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities. Traders were forced to pay ₦10,000 or more every month, while families conducting burials were compelled to part with ₦100,000 and above before ceremonies could take place.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest. He noted that Odinchefu was apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu on Wednesday.
Ikenga 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.”**
The police spokesperson emphasised that the arrest aligns with efforts to dismantle networks exploiting residents under the guise of agitation.
This latest arrest comes weeks after security operatives stormed a secessionist camp in Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area, on August 3, 2025. During the operation, four suspects were killed and a kidnapped victim rescued, despite his family already paying ₦20 million in ransom.
Ikenga explained that the joint operation, which involved the Rapid Response Squad and the state Vigilante Group, Agunechemba, lasted more than 15 hours. He said items recovered from the camp included “Two pump action guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one K2 assault rifle, one locally made hunter gun, three locally made IEDs, two empty gas cylinders, a radio transmission box, cable wires, three bags of rice, vehicles, phones, identity cards, and other personal belongings.”
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the command’s commitment to public safety and disclosed that ongoing security operations would target fleeing suspects and other hideouts linked to criminal elements.
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