Two arrested over illegal revenue collection in Edo

The Edo State Revenue Taskforce has arrested two suspected illegal revenue collectors, identified as Tony Amayo and Thompson Okun, following complaints from traders and customers over alleged extortion.

The suspects were apprehended at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Egor Local Government Area after business owners raised concerns about individuals allegedly collecting unauthorised levies from people carrying out legitimate business activities in the market.

The Commander of the Edo State Revenue Taskforce, Johnbull Rufus, said the suspects were arrested while allegedly extorting money in the name of revenue collection. According to him, the suspects were issuing tickets and demanding payments from traders despite the Edo State Government’s directive banning illegal revenue collection and unauthorised ticketing across the state.

Rufus said: “The taskforce received complaints from traders and customers at the Uwelu Market that some individuals were extorting people carrying out their legitimate business activities.” He added that following the complaints, the taskforce immediately launched an operation that led to the arrest of the two suspects.

Rufus reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to protecting residents and business owners from extortion and other illegal revenue collection activities. He also warned individuals and groups involved in unauthorised revenue collection to desist or face the full weight of the law.