The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF) Monday issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illegal revenue collection, urging them to desist from their unlawful activities or face arrest and prosecution.
This warning follows a successful operation carried out by ASHTF operatives and officers of the Nigeria Police on Sunday by the Aba Area Coordinator of ASHTF, Mr. Uche Wogu, where the team raided Ehi Road in Aba, targeting individuals allegedly extorting traders under the guise of revenue collection.
During the operation, 11 suspects were apprehended and taken to the Ndiegoro Police Station.
ASHTF noted that these individuals were collecting levies on behalf of certain communities, claiming that the authority to do so was granted to them by Aba South Local Government in 2017.
In addition to the fake revenue collectors, the task force also arrested five mechanics at Jubilee for obstructing major roads and causing damage.
These individuals have also been handed over to the Ndiegoro Police Division for further investigation.
Speaking to THE WHISTLER on the development, Mr. Miracle Chukwunenye, Spokesperson ASHTF, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending illegal revenue collection in the state.
He said, “The era of unauthorized revenue collection in Abia is over. We will continue to go after these illegal operators and ensure they are brought to justice. Traders and residents should be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the taskforce.”
Following these developments and the increasing crackdown on fraudulent revenue agents, ASHTF reiterated its commitment to eradicating illegal revenue collection in the state, urging all market traders and business owners to report any unauthorized individuals demanding levies from them.
Furthermore, ASHTF emphasized that the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, does not authorize cash payments for revenue collection.
All legitimate revenue payments must be made directly into the state’s official account,the agency said.
It advised that any request for cash payments should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.
The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce said they are committed to ensuring a transparent and accountable revenue collection process while protecting business owners from fraudulent activities.
