The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man alleged to be a member and informant of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The suspect was reportedly in charge of a major extortion network operating in parts of Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday in Awka. He said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, apprehended the suspect on October 1.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been imposing illegal levies on traders and families in the communities of Isseke and Orsumoghu. Traders were allegedly compelled to pay not less than ₦10,000 monthly, while families organizing burial ceremonies were forced to part with ₦100,000 or more before proceeding with their events.
According to the police, the proceeds of these extortions were funneled to his commander operating from a terrorist camp.
SP Ikenga noted that the suspect is currently in custody, while further investigations are underway.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, assured residents that the command remains committed to dismantling criminal structures linked to insurgent groups. He stressed that the arrest forms part of ongoing operations to free the state from individuals exploiting innocent citizens under the guise of secessionist agitation.
