{"id":121288,"date":"2025-08-06T23:16:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T22:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=121288"},"modified":"2025-08-06T23:16:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T22:16:24","slug":"edo-govt-arrests-10-over-illegal-levies-vows-end-to-extortion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/edo-govt-arrests-10-over-illegal-levies-vows-end-to-extortion\/","title":{"rendered":"Edo Govt Arrests 10 Over Illegal Levies, Vows End to Extortion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Tracy Moses<\/div>\n
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The Edo State Government has apprehended over 10 individuals accused of unlawfully collecting levies from motorists, traders, and market vendors across Benin City, the state capital.<\/div>\n
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The arrests followed the implementation of a fresh directive issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo on August 5, 2025, prohibiting the activities of unauthorized revenue collectors and specific transport unions in a sweeping move to reform the state\u2019s revenue system.<\/div>\n
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The affected groups include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd., all of whom were earlier suspended for failing to comply with state revenue policies.<\/div>\n
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According to the government, these organizations violated the terms of their temporary reinstatement by flouting the ban on cash transactions and resorting to intimidation, harassment, and even violence, including the recent reported assault of a commercial driver who resisted illegal payment demands.<\/div>\n
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Addressing the development, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, reaffirmed the administration\u2019s commitment to eradicating exploitation and restoring order in revenue collection.<\/div>\n
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\u201cGovernor Okpebholo is a decisive leader who prioritizes the welfare of Edo citizens. Upon receiving complaints, he wasted no time in suspending these groups again,\u201d Ikhilor stated.<\/div>\n
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He emphasized that the affected unions were previously granted conditional approval to operate under strict supervision by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), but failed to honor the agreement, particularly the no-cash-collection rule.<\/div>\n
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\u201cAt this moment, only the EIRS, in collaboration with local government councils and accredited agents, is authorized to collect government revenue, and only via Point-of-Sale (POS) devices. Cash payments are completely prohibited,\u201d Ikhilor stressed.<\/div>\n
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He confirmed that one of the arrested suspects, who physically attacked a driver for refusing to pay illegal fees, is in police custody and would be prosecuted within 24 to 72 hours.<\/div>\n
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The SSG also revealed that the Governor has ordered full mobilization of all state taskforces, including the Anti-Cultism Squad, to jointly enforce the ban and maintain public order until the system is cleansed of unauthorized activities.<\/div>\n
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\u201cThis government stands firmly against the oppression of its citizens. We call on the public, especially traders, drivers, and market women, to report any illegal fee collection via the official helpline. Governor Okpebholo is determined to establish a transparent and equitable system,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n
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To reinforce public compliance, the state has launched a series of radio announcements to educate citizens about the new policy, cautioning that ignorance will not be accepted as a defense.<\/div>\n
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The operation was spearheaded by SP Michael Anetor, Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, who confirmed the arrest of 10 individuals from various hotspots.<\/div>\n
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\u201cWe acted on credible reports from areas including Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market, where individuals were still extorting money in defiance of the ban,\u201d Anetor said.<\/div>\n
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He noted that the enforcement exercise at Oka Market was greeted with cheers and applause from relieved market women and traders, who welcomed the intervention after years of extortion and threats.<\/div>\n
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\u201cAll suspects have been handed over to the Commissioner of Police and will face prosecution. This is just the beginning. The operation will continue until illegal activities are rooted out and the revenue system is fully reformed,\u201d he declared.<\/div>\n
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By Tracy Moses The Edo State Government has apprehended over 10 individuals accused of unlawfully collecting levies from motorists, traders, and market vendors across Benin City, the state capital. 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