Police back Edo crackdown on illegal revenue collection
The Edo State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Edo State Government’s ban on illegal revenue collection.
It vowed to collaborate fully with relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance and restore public order across the state.
In a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the command pledged during a strategic meeting on Wednesday at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, when the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, hosted a delegation from the Edo State Government.
The delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Oladele Bankole-Balogun; and the Commander of the Edo State Special Task Force, Michael Anetor.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Joel Yamu, who represented Agbonika, stated that the command remained fully aligned with the government’s efforts to sanitise the revenue system and end the harassment of citizens by unauthorised individuals posing as revenue collectors.
“The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Monday Agbonika, is committed to protecting lives and property, and to working with the state government to enforce the ban on illegal revenue collection.
“We commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his decisive action, and we assure the public that the Police will play a leading role in ensuring the law is upheld,” Yamu said.
Bankole-Balogun said the purpose of the visit was to appreciate the police for their continued support, and to further strengthen collaboration in the fight against unauthorised revenue collection, which he described as a menace to Edo citizens.
“I am here alongside the Secretary to the State Government to thank the police for the excellent work they are doing and to solicit their sustained support in helping the government eradicate this scourge of unlawful revenue collection.
“This illegal activity has not only disrupted commerce but also subjected traders, drivers, and market women to undue harassment and extortion.
“The governor has taken a bold stance, and we are determined to enforce it to the letter,” Bankole-Balogun said.
Ten individuals arrested on Wednesday by the task force for illegally collecting levies from traders and commercial drivers have since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
The arrests were made during coordinated raids across major areas in Benin, including Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba.
Anetor reiterated the resolve of his team to continue clamping down on defaulters and collaborators until the system is completely rid of illegal operators.
