|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man, Bernard Odinchefu, suspected of leading an extortion ring linked to a secessionist group in Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrest was carried out by the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu on Wednesday, October 1. Preliminary investigations revealed that Odinchefu allegedly extorted ₦10,000 monthly from local traders in the Isseke and Orsumoghu communities. Families organizing burial ceremonies were also reportedly forced to pay ₦100,000 or more before being allowed to proceed with the events.
Ikenga noted that the suspect was believed to be an informant for a proscribed group, remitting extorted funds to a commander in a nearby terrorist camp to support their operations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the arrest as a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on insurgent-linked criminal networks in the State.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling such operations and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Odinchefu remains in custody as investigations continue to uncover his associates and broader network.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.