BENIN: The Edo State Police Command has pledged its full commitment to enforcing the state government’s ban on illegal revenue collection.
It vowed to work closely with other agencies to ensure compliance and restore public order.
The pledge was made during a strategic meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, where the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, hosted a government delegation.
The delegation included the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, the Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service EIRS, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, and the Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor.
Speaking after the meeting, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, stated that the police are fully aligned with the government’s efforts to sanitize the revenue system and end the harassment of citizens by unauthorized collectors.
“The Edo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Monday Agbonika is committed to protecting lives and property, and to working with the state government to enforce the ban on illegal revenue collection.
“We commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his decisive action, and we assure the public that the Police will play a leading role in ensuring the law is upheld”, Yamu said.
Bankole-Balogun of the EIRS said the visit was to thank the police for their support and to further strengthen their collaboration against what he called a “menace to Edo citizens.”
The Special Taskforce recently arrested 10 individuals for illegally collecting levies.
They have since been handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
The arrests took place during coordinated raids in major areas of Benin City, including Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba.
SP Michael Anetor, Commander of the Special Taskforce, reiterated his team’s resolve to continue clamping down on violators until the system is completely free of illegal operators.
The Edo State Government had previously disbanded several transport unions and collection bodies for violating revenue guidelines, granting the EIRS sole authority to collect revenue through electronic platforms only.
With the police now officially involved, the enforcement drive is expected to intensify, ensuring a transparent revenue ecosystem and protecting citizens from exploitation.
