Anambra State Revenue Service Apprehends 5 Illegal Collectors in Nnewi
Anambra State Revenue Service Apprehends 5 Illegal Collectors in Nnewi
The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) has arrested five men—Edwin Okonkwo, Sunny Obasi, Christian Oziri, Christian Chinedu, and Nnamdi Nworie for illegal revenue collection in Nnewi.
They were caught extorting money from tricycle riders at various locations. This crackdown is part of a state-wide effort to sanitize the revenue system and stop unauthorized agents.
During a parade in Awka, AIRS Special Commander Nathan Obikwelu revealed the suspects were caught collecting between ₦300 and ₦500 from operators. Their actions directly violate state laws that prohibit illegal cash collections from commercial drivers. These arrests highlight the government’s commitment to ending the exploitation of transporters.
The operation follows the standing orders of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who has banned all unauthorized cash collections. The governor’s directive aims to ensure that all state revenue is processed through official, transparent channels.
The AIRS continues to monitor activities across the state to enforce this mandate strictly.
Regarding the arrests, Nathan Obikwelu stated: “The suspects – Edwin Okonkwo, Sunny Obasi, Christian Oziri, Christian Chinedu, and Nnamdi Nworie – were apprehended while collecting money ranging from 300 500 naira from tricycle riders at different locations in Nnewi.
The state government condemned the act in its entirety and assured that the suspects would be charged in court, where they would be remanded in prison.”
The government warned that these arrests serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities. Obikwelu emphasized that the suspects breached laws specifically created to protect commercial motorists from harassment.
By prosecuting these individuals, the state reaffirms its dedication to maintaining law and order.
This incident follows a previous enforcement action in Onitsha, where four other suspects were arrested for extorting tricycle riders. Those individuals were caught demanding up to ₦1,200 from operators. These ongoing efforts show the state’s resolve to permanently remove illegal tax collectors from Anambra streets.
