Chikodi Anara Denies IPOB Allegations Over Insecurity In Anambra

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Chikodili Anara, the Commissioner for Homeland Security in Anambra State, has refuted allegations made against him by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claiming that he was utilizing state security operatives, particularly the Anambra Vigilante Service, to perpetuate insecurity within the state.

In a press statement signed by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, various accusations were levelled against Anara.

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However, the commissioner, in his response made available to DAILY POST in Awka, revealed that IPOB and Emma Powerful were engaged in a blackmail campaign after multiple attempts to extort money from him.

Anara also disclosed that two individuals from his community, whose identities were withheld, were sponsoring Powerful to target him. He explained that he had filed a petition against them regarding a murder case, which led to their arrest and subsequent detention. Allegedly, they managed to bribe their way out and fled the country.

“In 2022, Emma Powerful called me and claimed to have a story against me. He demanded money to suppress the publication. Later, he made the same demand, which I ignored,” said the commissioner.

Anara accused Emma Powerful of engaging in blackmail and mentioned that he had repeatedly refused to pay any amount to him. He revealed that the recent write-up against him was a result of Powerful’s association with the two individuals involved in the murder case.

Chikodi Anara Denies IPOB Allegations Over Insecurity In Anambra — Chikodi Anara

Addressing the issue, Anara clarified that the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) had existed for many years before his tenure and was not created specifically because of IPOB. He extended an invitation to Emma Powerful, urging him to participate in a meeting if he genuinely wanted to contribute to resolving the state’s security challenges.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security emphasized that the Anambra Vigilante Services had received widespread praise for its collaboration with the police and other security agencies in the state, effectively combating insecurity.

The group has recently apprehended and handed over criminals to the police, including individuals described by Anambra State Police Commissioner CP Echeng Echeng as members of IPOB’s militant arm, Eastern Security Network.