The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-old-year-old Bernard Odinchefu over his alleged involvement in enforcing illegal revenue collection for proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The arrest followed the Command’s continued raids of criminal hideouts to decimate IPOB/ESN operations of intimidating and extorting money from innocent residents of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested Odinchefu in Isseke Community in Ihiala local government area of the state where he was allegedly enforcing illegal levies on behalf of the outlawed separatist group.
Ikenga alleged that the suspect was carrying out the illegal levy collection in Orsumuoghu.
Odinchefu was accused of collecting the sum of N10,000 from each trader in the area monthly, while compelling organising social functions to pay at least N100,000.
Ikenga said the IPOB/ESN agent was arrested on Wednesday, October 1st and was currently in police custody for further investigation.
“Preliminary information reveals 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,” Ikenga revealed.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu has assured residents of continued commitment to dismantling criminal structures linked to insurgent groups.
“He emphasised that the arrest is part of the ongoing efforts to rid the State of elements exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of agitation”, Ikenga said in the statement.
