The Edo State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Edo State Government’s ban on illegal revenue collection, vowing to collaborate fully with relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance and restore public order across the state.
The pledge was made during a strategic meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, when the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, hosted 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 meeting, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who represented CP Agbonika, stated that the Police Command remains fully aligned with the government’s efforts to sanitize the revenue system and end the harassment of citizens by unauthorized individuals posing as revenue collectors.
“The Edo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Monday Agbonika is committed to protecting lives and property, and to working with the state government to enforce the ban on illegal revenue collection,” SP Yamu said. “We commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his decisive action, and we assure the public that the Police will play a leading role in ensuring the law is upheld.”
Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, Chairman of EIRS, said the purpose of the visit was twofold: to appreciate the police for their continued support, and to further strengthen collaboration in the fight against unauthorized revenue collection which he described as a menace to Edo citizens.
“I am here alongside the Secretary to the State Government to thank the Police for the excellent work they are doing and to solicit their sustained support in helping the government eradicate this scourge of unlawful revenue collection,” he stated. “This illegal activity has not only disrupted commerce but also subjected traders, drivers, and market women to undue harassment and extortion. The Governor has taken a bold stance, and we are determined to enforce it to the letter.”
Ten individuals arrested by the Edo State Special Taskforce for illegally collecting levies from traders and commercial drivers have since been handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution. The arrests were made during coordinated raids across major areas in Benin City, including Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba.
Commander of the Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, reiterated the resolve of his team to continue clamping down on defaulters and collaborators until the system is completely rid of illegal operators.
The Edo State Government had earlier disbanded several transport unions and collection bodies found guilty of violating revenue guidelines, reverting sole authority for revenue collection to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) through electronic platforms only.
With the police now formally onboard, the enforcement drive is expected to intensify in the coming days as the government seeks to restore sanity, protect citizens, and entrench transparency in its revenue ecosystem.
