Edo Police Throw Weight Behind Crackdown On Illegal Revenue Collectors
The Edo State Police Command has pledged its full support for the government’s ongoing clampdown on illegal revenue collection, promising to play a lead role in enforcing the ban and restoring order across the state.
This assurance came during a strategic meeting at the Command Headquarters in Benin City, where Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, hosted key government officials.
The delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, also included the Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, and Commander of the Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who represented the CP, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to work hand in hand with the government in sanitising the state’s revenue collection system.
“We’re fully committed to supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s efforts to end the harassment of citizens by illegal collectors.
The Police will not stand by while traders, drivers, and market women are extorted under false pretences,” he said.
Otunba Bankole-Balogun noted that the visit was both an appreciation and a call for stronger collaboration, describing illegal collection as a menace disrupting commerce and victimising everyday people.
Already, ten suspects have been arrested during coordinated Taskforce raids in areas including Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba.
They’ve been handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The State Government had earlier disbanded several transport unions involved in unlawful levies, centralising all collections through the EIRS’s electronic platforms.
With the Police officially on board, enforcement is set to intensify as Edo pushes to entrench transparency, protect livelihoods, and clean up its revenue landscape.
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