By Gladys Ekwu
Seven illegal toll collectors have been arrested for allegedly using fake receipts to extort money from tricycle drivers in Onitsha.
This is in line with Anambra state government’s determination to make the state conducive for business transactions.
The Chairman of the Taskforce on Illegal Revenue Collection which was constituted by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Obinna Nweke stated this when he led members of the Taskforce to visit some Markets and other flash points of activities of illegal tax collectors in Onitsha.
Mr Nweke who, during the visit, displayed some of the fake tickets and receipts obtained from some illegal revenue collectors that were arrested by the team, expressed dismay over such behaviour adding that those arrested will be charged to court.
A member of the Team and a trader at the Timber Market Bridge Head Onitsha, Mr Ozoemena Owo said being part of the Market, he can feel the pains the traders and their customers are passing through in the hands of these illegal revenue collectors and promised to carry out all government order to check such nefarious act.
A trader at Drug Market Bridge Head Onitsha Mr Kingsley Ezeh maintained that the activities of these illegal revenue collectors have driven away their customers urging the government not to relent in its efforts to sanitize the State.
The Team had earlier on arrival paid a courtesy call on the Chairman Onitsha Main Market Mr Kenneth Onyeka in his office, who commended the State Government and the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Mr Uchenna Okafor for coming to their rescue condemning the nefarious activities of these illegal revenue collectors whom according to him have been harassing and intimidating their customers.
Mr Onyeka promised to give the team all the necessary support and assistance needed to achieve the set objective.
Emengini Osadebe reports that about seven men were arrested by the team for alleged selling of fake receipts, collection of illegal toll from tricyclists among other illegal businesses at different flash points.
