Anambra arrests 112 fake revenue agents

By Nkiru Nwagbo AWKA

One hundred and twelve fake revenue agents have been arrested in Anambra state by the taskforce set up by the state government to check the illegal activities of revenue touts.

Seventy-five per cent of the suspects have been prosecuted while others are currently in the police custody awaiting prosecution at the revenue court in the state.

Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Christian Madubuko, who disclosed this to reporters yesterday in Awka while parading four arrested suspects, noted that the number of arrests was as a result of activities of the taskforce on fake revenue collectors since April and May this year.

It would be recalled that the state government temporary banned the collection of taxes and other levies in the state, yet some unscrupulous people have cashed in on the development to rip off unsuspecting members of the public, the commissioner said.

“Due to the multiple taxation caused by criminals in our markets and business establishments in the state, some people have been going about extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.

“To this end government had to set up the taskforce to ensure that people do not pay money to criminals in the markets and motor parks. We also have a revenue court where they would be charged to and if found guilty they would face the consequences,” Madubuko added.

He urged members of the public to be vigilant and also be mindful of such persons or group of persons who are out to swindle them adding that in due time government will come up with the correct taxes and levies for payment in the state.