BY GIOVANNI EMEPHIA
Operatives of the Delta State Task Force on Road Taxes and Revenue Leakages recently dislodged and arrested some members of an illegal ring of revenue task forces extorting money from motorists In Sapele, Oghara and Koko axis of the state.
The State Task Force on Road Taxes and Revenue Leakages, led by its coordinator Mr. Malachi Moye, disclosed that the clamp down became necessary as a result of the activities of the illegal revenue task forces which he said had become notorious, and giving the state a bad image.
Speaking to newsmen at Koko junction, Ugbenu, Ethiope West Local Government area, Mr. Moye warned those behind the illegal task forces to desist as the state government would bring the full weight of the law to bear on them. He noted that several complaints of harassment of road users had reached the state government and that the illegal activities of these task forces must stop.
Some motorists interviewed commended the intervention of the state government, noting that travelling along major highways in the state had become a nightmare on account of the activities of the illegal task forces.
Recall that the Secretary to the State Government Chief Patrick Ukah had in a statement on June 29th, 2022, warned of dire consequences for operators of illegal revenue task forces operating within the state.
While pointing out that revenue collection in the state was the responsibility of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Moye advised those desirous of becoming revenue agents to seek the approval of the Revenue Service before embarking on any form of revenue collection.
The task force coordinator revealed that the operation would be extended to all parts of the state, stressing that those arrested would be charged to court within a few days.