Edo State is stepping up its fight against illegal revenue collection. The Edo State Taskforce has arrested two men for collecting money illegally at the Third Junction area in Benin City.
The suspects are Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny. Taskforce officials arrested them after receiving reports about illegal revenue collection in the area.
They were taken into custody on Monday, June 22, 2026, and later presented to journalists at the Taskforce office in Benin City.
Rufus Johnbull, the Station Officer of the Edo State Taskforce, led the operation. He explained that they acted on intelligence, watched the area closely, and caught the suspects in the act.
Johnbull emphasized that the Edo State Government is serious about stopping illegal revenue collection. He mentioned that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has banned this practice in the state.
He said, “This (Monday) morning, acting on an intelligent report, the Taskforce Commander mobilised his men to the Third Junction in Benin City. The report indicated that illegal collection is ongoing in the area as drivers were being extorted.
“We got there and mapped out surveillance, and we were able to arrest some of the people engaged in the illegal act. The Taskforce will intensify its efforts to ensure that the junction and other areas in the city are free from illegal revenue collection.
“The Edo State Government will ensure that those who embark on illegal revenue collection across the state will not find peace until they are all arrested. The taskforce encourages drivers to go about their normal businesses as it will do its best to ensure all those who engage in illegal revenue collection are arrested and made to face justice.”
A bus driver, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed his worries about illegal collectors at the Third Junction. He urged the Edo State Government to take action against these criminals.
He shared his experience, saying that some people attacked him at the junction after he refused to pay N200. His vehicle was impounded, and he has not been able to recover it since the incident.
The driver mentioned that they pay different fees to various individuals, and not paying often leads to harassment and violence. He called on the Edo State Government to stop these illegal activities so that drivers can go about their business without fear.
One of the suspects, Irahbor Destiny, admitted to his involvement. He said he worked for a Chief Security Officer of a vigilante group named Amaosa Ogiemaye.
He explained, “Sometimes drivers willingly give us money, which we share among those of us who are vigilante members around the location. The sharing formula is directed by the CSO whom I worked for.”
The second suspect, Osasere Amadin, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed he was only at the junction to beg for money because his child was sick and in the hospital.
Amadin said that two drivers had given him money before his arrest. He insisted that the money displayed for journalists did not belong to him.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇