The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man accused of extorting traders and communities in Ihiala Local Government Area under the guise of conducting burials and other activities.

The suspect, identified as Bernard Odinchefu, was apprehended on October 1, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.

He is alleged to be a member and informant of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), operating as part of an extortion network in the area.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Thursday, said preliminary investigations revealed that Odinchefu had been imposing illegal monthly levies of ₦10,000 and above on traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities.

He was also allegedly extorting ₦100,000 or more from families before they could conduct burial ceremonies and related events.
“The illicit proceeds were allegedly remitted to his commander in a terrorist camp,” Ikenga stated.

The police said the suspect is currently in custody, with further investigations ongoing.

Ikenga quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as assuring residents of the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal structures linked to insurgent groups, describing the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of elements exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of agitation.

Meanwhile, IPOB has repeatedly denied involvement in such criminal activities in the South-East, insisting that those engaging in extortion and violence are impersonators who must face the full weight of the law.