The Anambra State government, through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, on Friday arrested seven illegal revenue collectors operating in various communities across the state.

The suspects were apprehended at Umueze Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area, Umueri in Anambra East LGA, and Nkpor along Obosi Road in Idemili North LGA.

Nathan Obikwelu, Commander of the AIRS Special Squad, said the arrests followed a tip-off from an unknown source about an incident in Umueri, where individuals allegedly stopped a tricycle operator carrying 18 cartons of fish and demanded N18,000 from him.

Obikwelu identified the suspects as Olisah Monday, Chukwubuike Tony, Nweke Stephen, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, Ugochukwu Umerah, Oluebube Chukwunagolum, and Adakaigbo Onyeka.

He explained: “The suspects were arrested at different locations while trying to extort money from some transport operators. Another set of suspects were arrested while collecting illegal money at a sand mining site at Umueze Anam, even as they picked the last suspects along Nkpor – Obosi road.”

He further commended the state government and AIRS leadership.

“We appreciate the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for all he has done for the agency, and we thank the AIRS Chairman, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, for the provision of logistics for the agency. We warned illegal revenue collectors to desist; as the agency will continue to arrest and prosecute them,” he added.

One of the suspects, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, admitted that they were collecting money but claimed: “We have legal documents we are working with.”

The Anambra State government reiterated its commitment to clamping down on illegal revenue collection and ensuring that only authorised personnel collect government levies. (PUNCH)