The Edo State Taskforce has arrested two suspected illegal revenue collectors in Benin City as part of renewed efforts by the state government to clamp down on unauthorised levies and the extortion of motorists across the state.
The suspects, identified as Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny, were apprehended around the Third Junction area of Benin City following intelligence reports on the activities of individuals allegedly engaged in unlawful revenue collection from commercial drivers.
The duo was arrested on Monday and subsequently paraded before journalists at the office of the Edo State Taskforce in Benin City.
Speaking during the parade, the Station Officer of the Edo State Taskforce, Rufus Johnbull, said the arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that motorists were being subjected to illegal levies and extortion at the busy junction.
According to him, operatives of the taskforce carried out surveillance in the area before arresting the suspects while they were allegedly engaged in the illegal activity.
“This morning, acting on an intelligence report, the Taskforce Commander mobilised his men to the Third Junction area of Benin City. The report indicated that illegal revenue collection was ongoing and that drivers were being extorted.
“We got there, mapped out surveillance around the area and were able to arrest some of those involved in the illegal act.
“The taskforce will intensify efforts to ensure that this junction and other parts of the city are free from illegal revenue collection.
“The Edo State Government will ensure that those engaged in illegal revenue collection across the state do not find peace until they are all apprehended. We encourage drivers to go about their lawful businesses as the taskforce remains committed to bringing perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, a commercial bus driver, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, described the activities of illegal revenue collectors around the junction as alarming and called on the state government to sustain its crackdown on the perpetrators.
The driver alleged that he was recently accosted by unidentified individuals who demanded N200 from him. He claimed that his refusal to comply led to the seizure of his vehicle, the whereabouts of which remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.
One of the suspects, Irahbor Destiny, allegedly admitted participating in the collection of money from drivers, claiming that he worked under a vigilante official identified as Amaosa Ogiemaye.
“Sometimes drivers willingly give us money, which we share among ourselves. The sharing formula is directed by the CSO I work for,” he said.
However, the second suspect, Osasere Amadin, denied involvement in illegal revenue collection.
He told journalists that he was merely soliciting financial assistance from motorists to offset the medical expenses of his sick child, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
According to him, two drivers had given him money before he was arrested, insisting that the cash displayed before journalists did not belong to him.
