Anambra task force nabs seven illegal revenue collectors

Operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) have arrested seven individuals allegedly engaged in illegal revenue collection in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended at Amansea Butcher Market along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, where they reportedly extorted money from motorists and residents using various weapons.

Before their arraignment at the Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Awka South LGA, the suspects were paraded at the OCHA Brigade headquarters on Tuesday.

The Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, explained that the arrests were in response to ongoing illegal cash collections despite the state government’s ban on all forms of unauthorised levies.

Anere said, “Before arresting the suspects, the OCHA Brigade team requested proper identification from them, but none could provide valid credentials, leading to their arrest.

“The suspects were arrested while trying to extort money from some transport operators and residents. The command will remain on high alert throughout the festive season to prevent criminal elements from exploiting residents or inflicting hardship on the public.

“Among the suspects were Mr David Ikemefuna and Mr Ifeanyi Stanley, who admitted to working as contracted revenue collectors for two individuals identified as Mr Jude and Mr Olise.

“They claimed they were not instructed to use POS machines and insisted they believed they were performing legitimate government duties.”

At the magistrate’s court, the suspects were remanded at the correctional centre, with the case adjourned to January 2026 for further hearing.

Earlier, PUNCH Online reported similar arrests by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service across the state, including Umueze Anam, Umueri, and Nkpor, following tips of illegal extortion targeting transport operators and traders.

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