BENIN CITY — Over 10 suspects have been arrested by the Edo State Task Force for illegally collecting levies from traders, drivers, and market women in defiance of the Governor’s ban on unauthorised revenue agents across the State.
The arrests, carried out at strategic flashpoints in Benin City including Upper Sakponba, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market, followed complaints of harassment, extortion, and violence against road users and small business owners.
The ban, issued on August 5 by Governor Monday Okpebholo, targets groups like the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.
These groups had earlier received conditional reinstatement under the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), with a strict no-cash policy, which they blatantly disregarded.
Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the Governor acted swiftly upon receiving negative reports, ordering a full suspension and a clean-up of the revenue system.
“The only body allowed to collect state revenue now is EIRS in collaboration with Local Government authorities, using POS machines only. No cash transactions are permitted,” Ikhilor warned.
He disclosed that a key offender, who assaulted a commercial driver for resisting extortion, has been arrested and will be charged to court within 24 to 72 hours.
The SSG also announced a collaboration between various Task Forces, including the Anti-Cultism unit, to ensure total compliance.
Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, who led the operation, confirmed that all arrested suspects would be handed over to the police for immediate prosecution.
“There was jubilation at Oka Market when we arrived. The traders expressed relief that their cries have been heard,” he said, adding that the operation will continue until the revenue system is fully cleansed of corruption and lawlessness.
Radio announcements have also been deployed to educate the public on the Governor’s directive, as the Government reiterated that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse.
