Edo nabs two for illegal revenue collection

In a renewed effort to tackle illegal revenue collection across Edo State, the Edo State Taskforce has arrested two persons in connection with illegal revenue collection around the Third Junction area in Benin City.

The suspects, identified as Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny, were arrested by officials of the Edo State Taskforce following intelligence reports on illegal revenue collection activities.

The suspects, who were arrested on Monday, June 22, 2026, were paraded before journalists at the office of the Edo State Taskforce in Benin City.

Speaking on the arrest, the Station Officer of the Edo State Taskforce, Rufus Johnbull, who led the operation, said the taskforce acted on intelligence, mounted surveillance in the area and caught the suspects in the act.

He noted that the Edo State Government was determined to ensure that those engaged in illegal revenue collection were arrested, adding that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had banned the practice in the state.

He said, “This (Monday) morning, acting on an intelligent report, the Taskforce Commander mobilised his men to the Third Junction in Benin City. The report indicated that illegal collection is ongoing in the area as drivers were being extorted.

“We got there and mapped out surveillance, and we were able to arrest some of the people engaged in the illegal act.

“The Taskforce will intensify its efforts to ensure that the junction and other areas in the city are free from illegal revenue collection.

“The Edo State Government will ensure that those who embark on illegal revenue collection across the state will not find peace until they are all arrested.

“The taskforce encourages drivers to go about their normal businesses as it will do its best to ensure all those who engage in illegal revenue collection are arrested and made to face justice.”

A bus driver, who did not want his name mentioned for fear of being attacked, said the activities of illegal revenue collectors around the Third Junction were a source of concern. He appealed to the Edo State Government to put mechanisms in place to arrest the perpetrators.

He said some unidentified persons assaulted him at the junction after demanding N200 from him. According to him, his refusal to pay led to the impoundment of his vehicle, which he had yet to recover as of the time of filing this report.

The driver said they paid different levies to different individuals, adding that refusal to pay often resulted in harassment and assault.

He appealed to the Edo State Government to stop the illegal activities to enable drivers to carry out their legitimate businesses without intimidation.

Speaking on his involvement, Irahbor Destiny, who confessed to the offence, said he worked for a Chief Security Officer of a vigilante group whom he identified as Amaosa Ogiemaye.

He added, “Sometimes drivers willingly give us money, which we share among those of us who are vigilante members around the location. The sharing formula is directed by the CSO whom I worked for.”

The second suspect, Osasere Amadin, denied involvement, saying he was at the junction to beg for money because his child was sick and hospitalised.

He claimed that two drivers had given him money before he was arrested, adding that the money displayed before journalists did not belong to him.