The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man accused of extorting merchants and communities in Ihiala Native Authorities Space beneath the guise of conducting burials and different actions.
The suspect, recognized as Bernard Odinchefu, was apprehended on October 1, 2025, by operatives of the Fast Response Squad, Awkuzu.
He’s alleged to be a member and informant of the Indigenous Folks of Biafra (IPOB), working as a part of an extortion community within the space.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in an announcement on Thursday, stated preliminary investigations revealed that Odinchefu had been imposing unlawful month-to-month levies of ₦10,000 and above on merchants in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities.
He was additionally allegedly extorting ₦100,000 or extra from households earlier than they may conduct burial ceremonies and associated occasions.
“The illicit proceeds have been allegedly remitted to his commander in a terrorist camp,” Ikenga said.
The police stated the suspect is presently in custody, with additional investigations ongoing.
Ikenga quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as assuring residents of the command’s resolve to dismantle felony buildings linked to rebel teams, describing the arrest as a part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of parts exploiting harmless residents beneath the guise of agitation.
In the meantime, IPOB has repeatedly denied involvement in such felony actions within the South-East, insisting that these partaking in extortion and violence are impersonators who should face the total weight of the regulation.
