The Edo State Revenue Taskforce has arrested two suspected illegal revenue collectors, identified as Tony Amayo and Thompson Okun, at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Egor Local Government Area. The arrests followed a series of complaints from traders and customers who alleged that the two men were extorting money from people conducting legitimate business activities within the market.
Operation Triggered by Complaints from Market Users
Johnbull Rufus, the Commander of the Edo State Revenue Taskforce, confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody after the taskforce received detailed reports about their activities. Business owners at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market had raised concerns over individuals who were allegedly collecting unauthorised levies and issuing tickets without any legal backing. These complaints prompted the taskforce to launch a targeted operation to apprehend those responsible.
Rufus explained that the suspects were caught in the act of demanding payments from traders under the guise of revenue collection. He noted that the duo were issuing tickets and collecting money despite an existing Edo State Government directive that strictly forbids illegal revenue collection and unauthorised ticketing across the state.
Commander's Account of the Arrest
According to Rufus, the operation was swiftly executed after the taskforce gathered enough intelligence from the market. The suspects were arrested on the spot, and their identities were confirmed as Tony Amayo and Thompson Okun. The Commander stated:
"The taskforce received complaints from traders and customers at the Uwelu Market that some individuals were extorting people carrying out their legitimate business activities."
He added that following the complaints, the taskforce immediately launched an operation that led to the arrest of the two suspects. The swift response underscores the authority's readiness to act on reports of revenue-related malpractice.
State Government's Ban on Illegal Revenue Collection
The Edo State Government has previously issued a clear directive prohibiting any individual or group from collecting revenue on its behalf without proper authorisation. The directive was introduced to address widespread complaints of multiple taxation, harassment, and extortion targeting traders, transport operators, and business owners across the state. The enforcement of this directive has been a core mandate of the Revenue Taskforce, which was established to ensure that all revenue collections are legitimate, transparent, and accountable.
The Uwelu Spare Parts Market, one of the commercial hubs in Egor Local Government Area, has been a focal point for such complaints. Traders in the area have long expressed frustration over the activities of unauthorised collectors who allegedly use threats and intimidation to force payments for non-existent government levies.
Protection of Businesses and Residents
Rufus reaffirmed the Edo State Government's commitment to protecting residents and business owners from extortion and other illegal revenue collection activities. He warned that the government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone or group involved in unauthorised revenue collection. According to the Commander, such activities not only harm the business community but also undermine the state's revenue generation efforts by diverting funds meant for public services into private pockets.
The Commander further warned individuals and groups still engaged in illegal revenue collection to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law. He urged traders and members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to the taskforce, assuring them that all reports would be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
Continued Crackdown and Investigation
The arrest of Amayo and Okun is part of a broader enforcement campaign by the Edo State Revenue Taskforce to rid the state of all forms of revenue collection fraud. The taskforce has intensified its operations across markets, motor parks, and other public spaces where unauthorised collectors are known to operate. The two suspects are currently in custody, and an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of their activities and to identify any accomplices.
This latest development serves as a strong warning to other unauthorised revenue collectors across Edo State that the government's tolerance for extortion and fraudulent collection schemes has ended. The state government continues to encourage legitimate business activities by ensuring a safe and fair environment, free from the menace of illegal levies and harassment.
