The Imo State Government has arrested seven individuals for allegedly engaging in illegal revenue collection from commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders.
The arrests were made by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) X-Squad in a coordinated operation involving the Office of the Governor’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit, the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), and the State Ministry of Transport.
According to the Imo State Commissioner for Transport, Emeka Okoronkwo, the suspects were caught impersonating authorized government revenue officers, forging official documents, and extorting money from unsuspecting motorcycle riders under false pretenses.
The suspects have been identified as Kingsley Nwiwu, Chukwujekwu Ogbunikpa, Emmanuel (a.k.a. “00”), Chibuzo Ndubueze, Ejike Mbodo, Cyril, and Odinaka Omumuawuike.
Commissioner Okoronkwo stated that the suspects are currently in custody at the State Police Headquarters in Owerri, where they are undergoing further investigation.
He praised the collaboration among the involved agencies and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating illegal revenue collection and protecting lawful taxpayers from exploitation.
