The Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council of Edo State has arrested four persons suspected of collecting unauthorised levies from residents and commercial motorcycle operators in the council area.
The suspects were allegedly operating at different locations and collecting money from members of the public in the name of the local government without authorisation.
The council said it had received complaints of individuals demanding ₦200 daily from commercial motorcycle operators around Pipeline and Upper Sokponba Road, as well as ₦500 from riders in Ogheghe Community.
Following the reports, council officials moved to apprehend the suspected illegal revenue collectors and the exercise was supervised by the Vice Chairman-Elect, Hon. Patience Ero-Omokaro, on behalf of the Executive Chairman-Elect, Hon. Eric Sino Osawaru.
The council said the arrest was part of efforts to enforce the Edo State Government’s policy against unauthorised revenue collection.
It stressed that no individual or group was authorised to collect revenue from residents or businesses on behalf of the local government without proper approval.
The four suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The council urged residents to report anyone demanding unauthorised payments in the name of the local government, assuring them of measures to protect residents from exploitation and illegal revenue practices.
