The Edo State Revenue Taskforce has arrested two men accused of operating an illegal revenue collection scheme at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Egor Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Tony Amayo and Thompson Okun, were taken into custody after traders and customers reported alleged cases of extortion within the busy market.
According to the Commander of the Edo State Revenue Taskforce, Johnbull Rufus, the agency acted swiftly after receiving multiple complaints from business owners about individuals demanding unauthorised levies from traders engaged in legitimate commercial activities.
Rufus disclosed that the suspects were allegedly caught collecting money and issuing unofficial tickets while posing as authorised revenue agents. He noted that their activities violated the Edo State Government’s directive prohibiting illegal revenue collection and unauthorised ticketing across the state.
“The taskforce received complaints from traders and customers at the Uwelu Market that some individuals were extorting people carrying out their legitimate business activities,” Rufus said. He added that the reports prompted an immediate enforcement operation, which resulted in the arrest of the two suspects.
The taskforce commander reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting residents and business owners from illegal revenue collection and other forms of extortion. He also warned individuals or groups involved in unauthorised tax collection to stop immediately or face legal consequences.
Authorities say efforts to eliminate illegal revenue collection across Edo State will continue as part of measures to create a safer and more business-friendly environment.
