Officials of the Imo State Government have apprehended a suspect identified as Mr. Moses, who allegedly engaged in impersonating multiple government agencies while carrying out illegal revenue collection activities across the state capital.

The suspect, an indigene of Ebonyi State, was caught by the Compliance and Monitoring Team of the State Government under the directive of Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance. Mr. Moses was reportedly enforcing revenue collection and issuing fake tickets within Owerri.

According to Nwaneri, the suspect had been operating around several key locations including Imo State University (IMSU) junction, Orji Flyover, Amakohia Flyover, and Akwakuma axis.

Investigations revealed that the apprehended fake revenue collector had allegedly created a network of criminal activities, falsely presenting himself as an agent of various government bodies, including the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), and the Imo State Waste Management Agency.

It was also reported that the suspect allegedly masterminded the illegal painting of commercial buses, locally known as "busimo," using unauthorized colours and symbols to extort money from unsuspecting drivers and traders.

"This arrest is part of Governor Hope Uzodimma's zero tolerance for fraud and criminality in the State. We are determined to sanitize the system and ensure that only authorized agents carry out Government responsibilities," Nwaneri stated.

The suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.

The Imo State Government has advised residents and business owners to always verify the identity of individuals claiming to represent any government agency and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.