CR∆CKDOWN IN BENIN: EDO TASKFORCE NABS SUSPECTED ILLEGAL REVENUE COLLECTORS AS DRIVERS RECOUNT EXTORTION ORDEAL
CRACKDOWN IN BENIN: EDO TASKFORCE NABS SUSPECTED ILLEGAL REVENUE COLLECTORS AS DRIVERS RECOUNT EXTORTION ORDEAL
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA — The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal revenue collection with the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in extorting motorists around the Third Junction area of Benin City.
The suspects, identified as Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny, were arrested by operatives of the Edo State Taskforce following intelligence reports linking them to unauthorized revenue collection activities in the area.
The suspects were subsequently paraded before journalists at the office of the Edo State Taskforce in Benin City.
Speaking on the operation, Station Officer of the Edo State Taskforce, Rufus Johnbull, said the arrests were made after operatives received credible intelligence indicating that drivers were being unlawfully extorted at the busy junction.
According to him, taskforce personnel conducted surveillance in the area before apprehending the suspects while the alleged illegal activities were ongoing.
Johnbull reiterated the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to eliminating illegal revenue collection across the state, stressing that the government had prohibited all unauthorized collections.
He warned that individuals involved in extorting motorists and engaging in illegal revenue operations would continue to face arrest and prosecution.
“The Edo State Government remains determined to rid the state of illegal revenue collectors. We will intensify operations to ensure that motorists and residents can go about their lawful activities without harassment or extortion,” he said.
A commercial driver who spoke anonymously for security reasons alleged that illegal revenue collection had become a major concern around Third Junction, claiming that drivers were frequently forced to part with money or face intimidation.
The driver further alleged that he was recently assaulted after refusing to pay ₦200 demanded by unidentified individuals and claimed his vehicle was subsequently taken away, with its whereabouts still unknown.
According to him, commercial drivers are often compelled to pay multiple levies to different groups operating in the area, with refusal sometimes resulting in harassment and physical assault.
One of the suspects, Irahbor Destiny, reportedly admitted participating in the collection of money from drivers and claimed he was working under a local vigilante leader identified as Amaosa Ogiemaye.
He alleged that money collected from motorists was shared among members according to directives from their superior.
However, the second suspect, Osasere Amadin, denied involvement in the alleged illegal revenue collection, insisting that he was merely seeking financial assistance from motorists because his child was receiving treatment in a hospital.
He maintained that money displayed during the parade did not belong to him and denied participating in any extortion activities.
The Edo State Taskforce said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that efforts would continue to dismantle networks involved in illegal revenue collection and protect road users from exploitation.
