The Anambra State Government has arrested seven men alleged to be extorting motorists and traders across different communities in the state.
The suspects were nabbed on Friday by operatives of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) Special Squad during coordinated operations in Umueze Anam (Anambra West), Umueri (Anambra East), and along Nkpor–Obosi Road in Idemili North.
Commander of the AIRS Special Squad, Nathan Obikwelu, said the arrests followed a tip-off concerning an extortion incident in Umueri, where a tricycle operator transporting 18 cartons of fish was reportedly forced to pay ₦18,000.
He identified the arrested suspects as Olisah Monday, Chukwubuike Tony, Nweke Stephen, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, Ugochukwu Umerah, Oluebube Chukwunagolum, and Adakaigbo Onyeka.
“The suspects were arrested at different locations while attempting to extort money from transport operators,” Obikwelu said.
“Another team caught some of them at a sand mining site in Umueze Anam, while the last set was picked up along Nkpor–Obosi Road.”
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the AIRS Chairman, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, for providing the logistical support that enabled the operation.
“We appreciate the state governor for his continuous support, and we thank the AIRS chairman for empowering the agency,” Obikwelu added.
“Illegal revenue collectors must desist because we will keep arresting and prosecuting offenders.”
One of the suspects, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, admitted that they were collecting money but insisted they were not operating unlawfully.
“We have legal documents we are working with,” he claimed.
The state government reiterated its readiness to eliminate illegal revenue collection, emphasising that only authorised personnel are permitted to collect government levies.
The AIRS vowed to sustain the crackdown to protect residents and curb exploitation in the state’s transport and commercial sectors.
