Operatives of the Anambra State task force, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), have arrested seven persons for allegedly engaging in illegal revenue collection. The arrests occurred at the Amansea Butcher Market along the busy Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Awka North Local Government Area.
Market Arrest and Parade of Suspects
The suspects were apprehended while reportedly extorting money from motorists and residents, with authorities stating that various weapons were involved in the act. Following their arrest, the seven individuals were paraded on Tuesday at the OCHA Brigade headquarters. They were subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
The Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, stated that the arrests were a direct response to persistent illegal cash collections, which continue despite a clear ban by the state government on all unauthorized levies. He emphasized that the task force team requested proper identification from the suspects prior to the arrest, but none could present valid credentials authorizing their activities.
Suspects' Claims and Court Remand
Among those arrested were David Ikemefuna and Ifeanyi Stanley. The duo reportedly confessed to working as contracted revenue collectors for two men identified as Jude and Olise. They claimed they were not instructed to use Point of Sale (POS) machines and insisted they believed they were carrying out legitimate duties on behalf of the government.
The magistrate presiding over the case ordered the suspects to be remanded in a correctional centre. The case has been adjourned until January 2026 for further hearing.
Festive Season Crackdown and Previous Operations
Celestine Anere warned that the command would remain on high alert throughout the festive season to prevent criminal elements from exploiting residents or inflicting hardship on the public. This recent operation is part of a broader crackdown on illegal revenue collection in the state.
Earlier, the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) conducted similar arrests in areas including Umueze Anam, Umueri, and Nkpor. These operations were also prompted by reports of illegal extortion targeting transport operators and traders, indicating a statewide effort to sanitize revenue collection.
