(PRESS STATEMENT)
Officials of Edo State Government have arrested over 10 individuals for illegally extorting money from drivers, traders, and market women.
The arrest followed their refusal to adhere to the State’s official ban on unauthorized revenue collection in a move meant to cleanse the revenue collection system.
The arrest, which took place across several strategic locations in Benin City, followed the Governor’s directive on August 5, 2025, banning the activities of certain unions and revenue collection agents.
These 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.
According to the Edo State Government, the affected unions had flagrantly violated the conditions under which they were permitted to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).
Instead of adhering to the State’s mandate against cash collections, they resorted to extortion, harassment, and intimidation, culminating in acts of violence such as the reported assault on a commercial driver who refused to yield to illegal demands.
Speaking on the State’s position, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor emphasized that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting the people of Edo State from oppression and economic exploitation.
“The Governor is a responsible and proactive leader. As soon as negative reports reached him about the activities of these unions, he acted swiftly by suspending their operations,” Ikhilor said.
He recalled that the Government had earlier lifted a temporary suspension on some of these unions, permitting them to operate under limited authorization and strict collaboration with EIRS, with the clear directive that no cash collections were allowed. Unfortunately, these directives were disregarded.
“The only agency now authorized to collect Government revenue is the EIRS, working in coordination with Local Government authorities and designated agents using Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. No cash is to be collected under any circumstance,” the SSG reiterated.
Ikhilor confirmed that some defaulters had been arrested while still engaged in illegal activities, including one who allegedly assaulted a driver for resisting extortion.
“He will serve as a deterrent. He is currently in police custody and will be charged in court within the next 24 to 72 hours,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Governor has directed all State Task Force members, including the Anti-cultism Taskforce and others, to collaborate in enforcing the ban until the system is fully cleansed of illegal practices.
“This administration will not tolerate oppression or the exploitation of our people. We urge all citizens, especially market women, drivers, and traders, to report any unauthorized revenue collection through the designated helpline. The Governor means well for the people and wants a fair and just system,” he stressed.
To bolster public awareness, the State has produced radio jingles to consistently inform the public of the Government’s policy, warning that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.
The enforcement raid was led by the Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, who confirmed the arrest of 10 individuals from various flashpoints in the metropolis.
“We responded to reports from multiple locations including Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market. We found individuals collecting cash from traders and road users despite the statewide ban,” SP Anetor said.
He noted that the arrests at Oka Market were met with jubilation from market women and traders who expressed relief after enduring years of intimidation.
“All suspects will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution. This is only the beginning. The operation will continue until all violators are flushed out and the revenue system is fully sanitized,” he assured.
