The Edo State Government has announced the arrest of 10 individuals for allegedly engaging in unauthorised revenue collection from commercial drivers and traders across the state.
The crackdown follows Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent directive prohibiting illegal collections by transport unions and private firms, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and several others.
Governor Okpebholo had earlier banned the operations of these groups following widespread reports of extortion, harassment, and intimidation, violating the terms of their partnership with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).
The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Musa Ikhilor, stated that the administration is committed to reforming the revenue system and protecting citizens from exploitation.
The suspects were arrested at key locations, including Oka Market, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market. Ikhilor clarified that only the EIRS, in collaboration with local government councils and approved agents, is authorised to collect government revenue, strictly through electronic payment channels, with cash transactions completely prohibited.
He urged traders, drivers, and market women to report any incidents of illegal collections through the government’s official helpline, assuring that the governor is determined to ensure transparency and fairness in revenue collection.
The arrested suspects will be handed over to the police for prosecution, with Ikhilor warning that the clampdown will continue until all illegal operators are eliminated.
The move is part of broader efforts to sanitise Edo State’s revenue system and restore public trust in government financial operations.
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