𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚s 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬!

𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚s 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬!

By Ihuoma Amarachi Grace | Sele Media Africa Journalist

AWA – 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 revenue‑collectors across various communities in the state. [1]

Details of the Arrests
According to AIRS’ Special Squad Commander, Nathan Obikwelu, the arrests were made in three locations: Umueze Anam (Anambra West LGA), Umueri (Anambra East LGA), and along the Nkpor–Obosi 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 ₦18,000 before the team intervened and arrested the suspects. Another group was apprehended while collecting money at a sand‑mining site in Umueze Anam, and the last set was picked up on the Nkpor–Obosi 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: “Illegal revenue collectors should desist; we will continue to arrest and prosecute.” [1]

Why this matters
Illegal revenue collection—often through unauthorised road‑blocks or by individuals posing as government agents—has been a long‑standing 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.

What’s next

AIRS has stated that the suspects will be charged in court, and the special enforcement unit will further patrol vulnerable areas—including major transport corridors, market exits and mining zones—to 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 “government levies”.

Takeaway
This action demonstrates the state’s 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 revenue‑collection channels.

Citations:

1. CKN News: www.cknnigeria.com/2025/11/7-illegal-revenue-collectors-arrested.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2022/02/anambra-govt-wants-security-agencies-to-checkmate-illegal-revenue-collectors/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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