
๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐s ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ!
By Ihuoma Amarachi Grace | Sele Media Africa Journalist
AWA โ In a decisive move to clamp down on extortion under the guise of tax collection, the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), on behalf of the Anambra State Government, on Friday apprehended seven individuals alleged to be operating as illegal revenueโcollectors across various communities in the state. [1]
Details of the Arrests
According to AIRSโ Special Squad Commander, Nathan Obikwelu, the arrests were made in three locations: Umueze Anam (Anambra West LGA), Umueri (Anambra East LGA), and along the NkporโObosi road (Idemili North LGA). He named the suspects as Olisah Monday, Chukwubuike Tony, Nweke Stephen, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, Ugochukwu Umerah, Oluebube Chukwunagolum and Adakaigbo Onyeka. [1]
One incident involved the tricycle operator en route to Umueri who was purportedly stopped and demanded a payment of โฆ18,000 before the team intervened and arrested the suspects. Another group was apprehended while collecting money at a sandโmining site in Umueze Anam, and the last set was picked up on the NkporโObosi road. [1]
Mr. Obikwelu thanked the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for providing logistics to AIRS and warned that the crackdown is ongoing: โIllegal revenue collectors should desist; we will continue to arrest and prosecute.โ [1]
Why this matters
Illegal revenue collectionโoften through unauthorised roadโblocks or by individuals posing as government agentsโhas been a longโstanding concern in Anambra. The state government has repeatedly affirmed that no unofficial person or group is permitted to collect levies on behalf of the government without valid authority. [2]
Such activities pose major risks: they undermine legitimate tax administration, expose transporters and traders to harassment and extortion, and erode public trust in government revenue systems. They also divert funds that should accrue to public services.
Whatโs next
AIRS has stated that the suspects will be charged in court, and the special enforcement unit will further patrol vulnerable areasโincluding major transport corridors, market exits and mining zonesโto apprehend any remaining perpetrators.
The public is urged to pay only authorised agents of AIRS (validated by official receipts and digital tracking) and to report suspicious roadside checkpoints or individuals demanding payments in the guise of โgovernment leviesโ.
Takeaway
This action demonstrates the stateโs determination to protect its revenue base, safeguard citizens from illegal extortion, and reinforce the integrity of state tax collection. For residents, it is a reminder to stay vigilant and ensure they are dealing only with legitimate revenueโcollection channels.
Citations:
- CKN News: www.cknnigeria.com/2025/11/7-illegal-revenue-collectors-arrested.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2022/02/anambra-govt-wants-security-agencies-to-checkmate-illegal-revenue-collectors/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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