In a renewed effort in the fight against illegal revenue collection across Edo State, the Edo State Taskforce has arrested two persons in connection with illegal revenue collection around the Third Junction area of Benin City, the state capital.
Key Highlights:
- Edo Taskforce arrested two suspects for illegal revenue collection in Benin City.
- The arrests followed intelligence reports and surveillance operations.
- Authorities vowed to intensify the crackdown on illegal collectors.
- Drivers alleged extortion and harassment by unauthorized revenue agents.
- One suspect confessed involvement, while the other denied the allegation.
The suspects, identified as Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny were arrested by the officials of the Edo State Taskforce, following intelligence reports on the activities of illegal revenue collectors.
The suspects who were arrested on Monday, June 22, 2026, were paraded before newsmen at the office of the Edo State Taskforce in Benin City.
Speaking on the arrest, the Station Officer, Edo State Taskforce, Rufus Johnbull, who led operatives of the taskforce to arrest the suspects, said they received information about the operations of the illegal revenue collectors and mounted surveillance around the area, before arresting the two suspects in the act.
He noted that the Edo State government is determined to ensure that those engaged in illegal revenue collection in the state are arrested because the Okpebholo administration has banned revenue collection in the state.
“This morning, acting on an intelligence report, the taskforce commander mobilized his men to the Third Junction in Benin City. The report indicates that illegal revenue collection is ongoing in the area as drivers are being extorted.
“We got there and mapped out surveillance and we were able to arrest some of the people engaged in the illegal act.
“The taskforce will intensify its efforts to ensure that the junction and other areas in the city will be free from illegal revenue collection.
“The Edo State government will ensure that those that embark on illegal revenue collection across the state will not find peace until they are all arrested.
“The taskforce encourages drivers to go about their normal businesses, as the taskforce will do its best to ensure all those who engage in illegal revenue collection are arrested and made to face justice,” he assured.
A bus driver who doesn’t want his name mentioned for fear of being attacked, said the activities of illegal revenue collectors around the Third Junction calls for concerns, and appealed to the state government to put a mechanism in place to arrest the perpetrators.
He noted that some unidentified persons manhandled him at the junction, requesting him to part with N200, but his refusal led to his vehicle being impounded and taken to an unknown destination.
The driver said that drivers are forced to pay different levies to different people, as failure to pay most times results in the manhandling of drivers.
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He appealed to the state government to step in and stop the illegal activities to enable drivers to have peace, while doing their legitimate businesses.
Speaking on his level of involvement, Irahbor Destiny who confessed to the crime, said he is working for one vigilante leader identified as Amaosa Ogiemaye.
“Sometimes drivers willingly give us money which we share among ourselves vigilante members around the location. The sharing formula is directed by the CSO who I workfor,” he disclosed.
The second suspect, Osasere Amadin denied his involvement, saying he was at the junction to beg for money from drivers as his child is sick and in the hospital.
He noted that two drivers helped him with some money, before he was arrested in the process, adding that the money displayed before journalists doesn’t belong to him.
