Edo Police Back Okpebholo’s Ban on Illegal Revenue Collection

The Edo State Police Command has thrown its weight behind the state government’s recent crackdown on illegal revenue collection, pledging unwavering support to enforce the ban and restore public order. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, where the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, received a delegation from the Edo State Government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor. Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba (Hon.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun, Esq., and the Commander of the State’s Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor.

Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who represented CP Agbonika, reiterated the Command’s full alignment with the government’s directive. He stated that the Police Command remains committed to ensuring strict compliance with the governor’s ban, which aims to end the harassment of citizens by unauthorized individuals parading as revenue agents. “The Edo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Monday Agbonika is committed to protecting lives and property, and to working with the state government to enforce the ban on illegal revenue collection,” SP Yamu said. “We commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his decisive action, and we assure the public that the Police will play a leading role in ensuring the law is upheld.”

The Chairman of EIRS, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, described the visit as both an appreciation tour and a strategic effort to deepen collaboration. According to him, illegal revenue collection has crippled business activities and subjected innocent citizens—particularly traders, drivers, and market women—to unchecked extortion and intimidation. He emphasized that the government’s recent disbandment of certain transport unions and revenue groups was a necessary intervention to return order and trust to the state’s revenue system. “This illegal activity has not only disrupted commerce but also subjected traders, drivers, and market women to undue harassment and extortion. The Governor has taken a bold stance, and we are determined to enforce it to the letter,” he said.

In furtherance of the government’s directive, the Edo State Special Taskforce has arrested ten individuals accused of illegally collecting levies from drivers and traders. These arrests, made during raids across Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba, have been transferred to the Police for thorough investigation and prosecution. SP Michael Anetor, Commander of the Taskforce, confirmed the arrests and warned that the clampdown on illegal operators will persist until the state’s revenue collection system is fully sanitized.

The government had earlier banned all forms of cash collection by unions such as NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, and others, revoking their authority to operate within the state. The administration has also reverted sole authority for legitimate revenue collection to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, strictly via digital platforms. With the Police Command now actively engaged, enforcement efforts are expected to intensify, ensuring transparency, lawful conduct, and protection of citizens across Edo State.