By Editor
The Edo State Government has taken decisive action against extortion and unauthorized revenue collection in Benin City. A task force led by the Edo State Special Taskforce Commander, SP Michael Anetor, arrested 10 individuals for illegally collecting money from drivers, traders, and market women.
The arrests were made across several strategic locations, including Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market. According to SP Anetor, the task force responded to reports of individuals collecting cash despite the statewide ban on unauthorized revenue collection.
Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, emphasized that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting citizens from oppression and economic exploitation. “The Governor is a responsible and proactive leader who acted swiftly by suspending the operations of these unions,” Ikhilor said.
The banned unions include: National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.
These unions had flagrantly violated the conditions under which they were permitted to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), resorting to extortion, harassment, and intimidation.
Some defaulters have been arrested and will face prosecution. One individual, who allegedly assaulted a driver for resisting extortion, is currently in police custody and will be charged in court within the next 24 to 72 hours.
To inform the public about the government’s policy, the state has produced radio jingles warning that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse. Citizens are urged to report any unauthorized revenue collection through a designated helpline.
The only agency now authorized to collect Government revenue is the EIRS, working in coordination with Local Government authorities and designated agents using Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. No cash is to be collected under any circumstance,” the SSG reiterated
The operation will continue until all violators are flushed out and the revenue system is fully sanitized. The suspects will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution.
Discover more from DE-PATRIOT
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.