In a bold enforcement move, the Edo State Government has arrested 10 individuals for engaging in illegal revenue collection, sparking jubilation among traders, drivers, and market women across Benin City.
The arrests, carried out by the Edo State Special Taskforce, followed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive issued on August 5, 2025, which banned the activities of unauthorized unions and agents extorting money from the public under the guise of revenue collection.
The affected groups include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheels, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd. These organizations were previously granted limited operating permissions under strict guidelines to work with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), but they reportedly violated those terms.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, the Governor, acted swiftly upon receiving reports of harassment and extortion by these unions.
“The Governor is a responsible and proactive leader. As soon as negative reports reached him about the activities of these unions, he acted swiftly by suspending their operations,” Ikhilor stated.
He reiterated that only the EIRS, in collaboration with local governments and designated agents, is authorized to collect state revenue — and only through electronic means such as Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.
“No cash is to be collected under any circumstance,” he emphasized.
Ikhilor confirmed that among the arrested individuals was one suspect who allegedly assaulted a commercial driver for refusing to pay illegal fees. The suspect, currently in police custody, is expected to be charged in court within 24 to 72 hours.
“The arrested individual will serve as a deterrent to others. This administration will not tolerate oppression or the exploitation of our people,” he warned.
To ensure full enforcement, the Governor has directed all relevant task force units, including the Anti-Cultism Taskforce, to collaborate in flushing out all illegal collectors from the system.
The crackdown was led by the Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, who confirmed that arrests were made at major hotspots, including Oka Market (Upper Sakponba), Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market.
“We found individuals collecting cash from traders and road users despite the statewide ban. At Oka Market, market women and traders erupted in jubilation, expressing relief after years of intimidation,” SP Anetor disclosed.
He added that all suspects will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution, assuring the public that this is just the beginning of a sustained operation.
To enhance public awareness, the Edo State Government has launched radio jingles and issued public advisories, warning that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse for violating the ban.
Citizens are encouraged to report any illegal revenue collection through the government’s designated helpline as part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the system and protect residents from economic exploitation.
“This government is committed to a fair and just system for everyone,” the SSG assured.
