The Edo State Taskforce has arrested two suspected illegal revenue collectors at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Egor Local Government Area, following complaints from traders and customers over alleged extortion.
The suspects were apprehended after business owners raised concerns about individuals allegedly collecting unauthorized levies from people carrying out legitimate business activities in the market.
Addressing journalists after the operation, the Station Officer of the Edo State Taskforce, Johnbull Rufus, said the team acted swiftly on reports from the market.
According to him, the suspects were allegedly issuing tickets and demanding payments despite the Edo State Government’s directive banning illegal revenue collection and unauthorized ticketing across the state.
“We received complaints from traders and customers at the Uwelu Market that some individuals were extorting people carrying out their legitimate businesses. Based on those reports, the Edo State Taskforce immediately swung into action and arrested two suspects.”
Rufus reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting residents and businesses from extortion, warning individuals or groups still engaged in illegal revenue collection to immediately desist or face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration remains committed to creating a conducive business environment by eliminating all forms of illegal taxation and harassment of traders.
The two suspects, identified as Tony Amayo and Thompson Okun, claimed they were working under the instruction of their employer, Kingsley Ikhimwin. They alleged that he assured them the revenue collection was legitimate and had the approval of the local government council.
The suspects are expected to face further investigation as the taskforce continues its crackdown on illegal revenue collection across Edo State.
