The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man, Bernard Odinchefu, identified as an informant of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), for spearheading a major extortion network in Ihiala Local Government Area.
Odinchefu was said to have been collecting illegal levies of at least ₦10,000 monthly from traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities, while families planning burials or related ceremonies were forced to pay ₦100,000 and above before being allowed to proceed.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on Wednesday.
“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,” Ikenga stated.
He added that the proceeds were remitted to the suspect’s commander in a terrorist camp.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured residents that the command is determined to dismantle criminal structures linked to insurgent groups and safeguard communities from exploitation.
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