BENIN CITY – The Edo State Joint Security Operation, Wabaizigan and officials of the state’s Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) have arrested three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The Edo State coordinator of PUWOV, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, who spoke to journalists after the arrest, said the suspects were found with fake identification cards and receipts, as well as proceeds from the sales of revenue tickets.
The suspects include Austin Otunba and Bisi Adewunmi, who was arrested at Airport Road, and Mr. Friday Imade, arrested along Oba Market Road, by Oredo Secretariat, in Benin City.
Yusuf-Osagie noted that the arrest, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, is part of efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to rid the streets of Edo of extortionists and other criminal elements.
According to him, “PUWOV officials have apprehended one Friday Imade, a suspected illegal revenue collector, who has been extorting residents along Airport Road axis in Benin City.
“In the same vein, the state’s joint security operation, Wabaizigan arrested two other illegal revenue collectors along Oba Market Road, who were illegally selling tickets and extorting unsuspecting traders. The suspects have been handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.”
Noting the government’s efforts at ending all forms of extortion and multiple taxations across the state, the PUWOV coordinator said, “The Edo State Government is committed to apprehending all illegal ticket racketeers and other illegal revenue collectors. Governor Obaseki is very involved and will never support oppression or exploitation of Edo citizens.”
