Gov Okpebholo Cracks Down on Menace of Agberos, Illegal Revenue Collectors, Others

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 5th August, 2025

In a decisive move to combat extortion and restore public order, the Edo State Government has imposed an immediate and indefinite suspension on several transport-related unions and organizations accused of unlawful revenue collection activities across the state.

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The announcement, issued on August 5, 2025, by the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, highlights growing concerns over what it described as the “alarming resurgence” of cash-based collections and intimidation tactics by groups previously engaged under sanctioned arrangements with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).

Among the affected groups are the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.

According to the Edo State Government, these unions flagrantly violated the conditions under which they were permitted to operate in collaboration with the EIRS. The state noted that instead of adhering to transparent, cashless revenue systems, the organizations reverted to illegal practices, including physical harassment of transporters, extortion, and issuance of unapproved tickets.

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“This administration will not tolerate any form of intimidation or exploitation of our people under the guise of revenue collection,” a government spokesperson stated. “We are committed to enforcing law and order, promoting a business-friendly environment, and eliminating all forms of illegal tolling on our roads.”

Speaking on the State’s position, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor emphasized that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting the people of Edo State from oppression and economic exploitation.

“The Governor is a responsible and proactive leader. As soon as negative reports reached him about the activities of these unions, he acted swiftly by suspending their operations,” Ikhilor said.

He recalled that the Government had earlier lifted a temporary suspension on some of these unions, permitting them to operate under limited authorization and strict collaboration with EIRS, with the clear directive that no cash collections were allowed. Unfortunately, these directives were disregarded.

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“The only agency now authorized to collect Government revenue is the EIRS, working in coordination with Local Government authorities and designated agents using Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. No cash is to be collected under any circumstance,” the SSG reiterated.

Ikhilor confirmed that some defaulters had been arrested while still engaged in illegal activities, including one who allegedly assaulted a driver for resisting extortion.

“He will serve as a deterrent. He is currently in police custody and will be charged in court within the next 24 to 72 hours,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Governor has directed all State Task Force members, including the Anti-Cultism Taskforce and others, to collaborate in enforcing the ban until the system is fully cleansed of illegal practices.

The government has directed security agencies and relevant enforcement bodies to ensure strict compliance with the suspension and warned that any group or individual found violating the directive will face the full weight of the law.

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This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Okpebholo-led government to sanitize the revenue space, dismantle parallel tax regimes, and protect transport workers and the commuting public from undue hardship.

Further announcements are expected regarding the establishment of a new, regulated framework for transport revenue collection that ensures accountability, transparency and digital tracking in line with the administration’s reform agenda.