BENIN: The Edo State Government’s special task force has arrested over 10 individuals for illegally collecting revenue from drivers, traders and market women.
The arrests were made across Benin City, the state capital, after the suspects ignored government’s ban on unauthorized revenue collection.
The crackdown followed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive on August 5, which suspended the activities of several unions and private firms, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN. The ban also affected ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.
According to the state government, these groups violated their limited authorization to work with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service EIRS and resorted to widespread extortion, harassment and intimidation.
The government cited an incident where a commercial driver was reportedly assaulted for refusing to pay an illegal levy.
Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, said Governor Okpebholo is committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting citizens from exploitation.
“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,” Ikhilor reiterated.
One of the arrested individuals, who allegedly assaulted a driver, is in police custody and will be charged in court within 24 to 72 hours.
Ikhilor stated that this individual will “serve as a deterrent” to others.
Public Jubilation
The enforcement raid, led by Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, targeted several hot spots in the metropolis, including Oka Market, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road and Oba Market.
Anetor noted that the arrests at Oka Market were met with “jubilation from market women and traders” who expressed relief from years of intimidation.
All suspects will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution.
“This is only the beginning. The operation will continue until all violators are flushed out and the revenue system is fully sanitized,” Anetor assured.
The state government has also launched radio jingles to inform the public about the new policy and urged citizens to report any illegal revenue collection through a dedicated helpline.
