The Police in Anambra state has apprehended 16 suspects for illegal revenue collection in Onitsha metropolis.
The police said it was determined to enforce the government’s directives against harassment and extortion of innocent citizens on the road in the name of internal revenue collection.
In a statement made available to 365Daily by the Anambra state Force Public Relation Officer, CSP Haruna Mohammed, it said that the State Police Command, would ensure that all those arrested face the music of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
The statement read: “In continuation with it’s commitment towards enforcing government directives against the harassment and extortion of innocent citizens on the road in the name of IGR collection, police operatives attached to the Area Command Onitsha, and Okpoko Division led by the Area Commander Onitsha, ACP John Ogbuagbaka had on Monday, 18/1/2021 while on patrol along Head bridge, Upper Iweka and Owerri road all in Onitsha arrested (16) illegal revenue collectors under false pretense of being government revenue agents in the State.
“The operation was in compliance with recent directives by the Anambra State Government banning all forms of illegal revenue collections by persons claiming to be State revenue agents or officials. Suspects would be brought to book as soon as investigations are concluded.
“Consequently, the Command warns that anybody found engaging in such acts should be ready to face the full wrath of the law.The Command will continue to pursue the hoodlums until they refrain from criminal activities or relocate from the State.