The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for alleged involvement in extortion and terrorism in Ihiala Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Awka. He said the suspect, believed to be an informant for the group, was also the coordinator of a major extortion ring in the area.

According to Ikenga, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, apprehended the suspect on October 1. Preliminary investigations revealed that he spearheaded the collection of illegal levies from traders and families in the Ihiala axis.

“He was in charge of imposing illegal monthly payments of ₦10,000 and above on traders in Isseke and Orsumoghu communities, and extorted over ₦100,000 from families before burial ceremonies or similar events could hold,” Ikenga said.

The police spokesman added that the suspect allegedly remitted the illicit proceeds to his commander in a terrorist camp.

Ikenga confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured residents of the command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks linked to insurgent groups, stressing that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to protect citizens from exploitation under the guise of agitation.