Edo Police Vows Full Backing for State’s Crackdown on Illegal Revenue Collection

The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to supporting the state government’s ban on illegal revenue collection, promising full cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure total enforcement and the restoration of public order across the state.

This assurance was given during a strategic meeting held at the Command Headquarters in Benin City, where the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, received a delegation from the Edo State Government. The delegation included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba (Hon.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun, Esq.; and the Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu—who represented CP Agbonika—affirmed the Command’s readiness to align fully with the state’s efforts to eliminate unauthorized revenue collection and the harassment of residents by illegal agents.

“The Edo State Police Command under CP Monday Agbonika is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property and will partner closely with the government to enforce the ban on unlawful revenue collection,” SP Yamu stated. “We commend Governor Monday Okpebholo’s strong stance and assure the public that the Police will lead in upholding the law.”

EIRS Chairman, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, noted that the visit was to express appreciation for the Police’s ongoing support and to deepen collaboration in the crackdown on illegal revenue practices, which he described as a serious threat to the livelihoods of Edo people.

“We came with the Secretary to the State Government to thank the Police for their outstanding work and to strengthen our partnership in ending this menace,” he said. “Illegal collection has disrupted business activities and exposed traders, drivers, and market women to extortion and intimidation. The Governor has taken decisive action, and we are committed to seeing it fully enforced.”

As part of the crackdown, ten individuals were recently arrested by the Edo State Special Taskforce for unlawfully collecting levies from traders and commercial drivers. The arrests occurred during coordinated raids in various parts of Benin City, including Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba. The suspects have been handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.

Commander of the Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized his team’s continued resolve to go after offenders and their enablers until illegal revenue activities are completely stamped out.

The Edo State Government had earlier disbanded several transport unions and collection bodies found to be in violation of official revenue policies. Authority for all revenue collection has now been centralized under the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), with transactions to be conducted exclusively through electronic platforms.

With the Police now actively involved in enforcement, the state’s campaign against illegal revenue collection is expected to gain further momentum in the coming days—aimed at restoring order, protecting citizens, and promoting transparency in the state’s revenue system.