Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest of 10 persons for allegedly engaging in unlawful revenue collection from commercial drivers and traders across the state, following Governor Monday Okpebholo's recent ban on unauthorized revenue collection activities.
The arrests come after the governor's directive prohibiting revenue collection by transport and trade unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.
According to state officials, these organizations were banned for reportedly engaging in extortion, harassment, and intimidation of citizens, which violated the terms under which they were previously permitted to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Musa Ikhilor, emphasized the administration's commitment to reforming the revenue system and protecting citizens from economic exploitation. He stated that the governor acted decisively after receiving numerous complaints about illegal collectors' activities.
"This administration has zero tolerance for extortion and oppression. We encourage market women, drivers, and traders to report any incidents of unauthorised collections via the government's official helpline," Ikhilor said.
The suspects were apprehended at various locations throughout Benin City, including Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market—all known hotspots for commercial activities.
The SSG clarified that currently, only the EIRS is authorized to collect government revenue, working in partnership with local government councils and designated agents. He emphasized that all transactions must be conducted electronically through Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, with cash transactions strictly prohibited.
The arrested individuals will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution, according to Ikhilor, who warned that the government's clampdown will continue until all illegal actors are eliminated from the system.
"This is just the beginning, the clampdown will continue until all illegal actors are rooted out and a clean, accountable revenue system is fully restored," he added.
The governor's action represents a significant step toward addressing longstanding complaints about harassment faced by commercial drivers and market traders in Edo State, potentially bringing relief to many small business operators who have struggled under the weight of multiple, often unauthorized levies.
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