Akahi News gathered that Governor Peter Mbah has delivered on his promise to crack down on illegal revenue collectors who have continued to make life unbearable for residents of Enugu State.
In a decisive move, the governor announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of daily toll collection from petty traders operating without lockup shops, describing the practice as outright illegal. On the same day, the Enugu State Police Command dragged two suspects before a magistrate court for alleged stealing and forgery linked to illegal revenue collection.
Mbah’s Directive Sends Strong Warning Against Extortion
Akahi News learnt that Governor Mbah gave the directive during a stakeholders meeting on the clarification and harmonisation of revenue collection in markets across the state. The meeting, organised by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, took place at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, the governor explained that the suspension aligns with the new tax laws aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable. He warned that a taskforce chaired by the SSG has been established to ensure full compliance. Anyone caught collecting the usual 100 or 200 Naira daily toll, whether for government or personal benefit, will face the full weight of the law.
The governor called on local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, Presidents-General, civil society groups and the general public to promptly report any violation to the taskforce.
Lockup Shop Traders Remain Unaffected
It was alleged that the directive does not affect traders with lockup shops who pay their annual levies of 30,000 or 36,000 Naira. Governor Mbah stressed his administration’s determination to avoid any action that adds to the suffering of the people. But one wonders: when will the common man truly begin to feel the relief this policy promises in his daily hustle?
Police Arraign Two for Forgery and Illegal Revenue Collection
Meanwhile, the police have taken firm action against illegal revenue operators. Mr Christopher Ifeanyi, aged 65, and Chinenye Ugwu, a female, were arraigned before an Enugu North Magistrate Court for allegedly forging receipts of Enugu North Local Government Area to register native doctors and defrauding members of the public.
The three-count charge against them includes conspiracy to commit felony, stealing the sum of N700,000 belonging to the Enugu State Government, and forgery of official receipts. The offences, said to have occurred on March 31, 2026 at the Enugu North Local Government Secretariat, are punishable under the Criminal Code of Enugu State.
Court Adjourns Case to May 8
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. His Worship, O.S. Chukwuani, adjourned the matter to May 8 for continuation of hearing. The police prosecutor, Rosemary Ojobo, handled the case while State Counsel Onyinye Ugwu watched proceedings for the Department of Public Prosecution.
Akahi News had earlier reported growing concerns over illegal extortions in markets and public spaces. This latest development sends a strong signal that the Enugu State Government is serious about sanitising the revenue system and protecting ordinary citizens from exploitation.
For many petty traders who wake up every morning to face these daily levies, this suspension brings a glimmer of hope. It is not a child’s play to survive in today’s economy, where every kobo counts. The big question remains: will the taskforce sustain this momentum and ensure the directive is not undermined by powerful interests?
As Enugu residents watch closely, there is cautious optimism that governance is finally tilting towards the welfare of the common man. Only time will tell if this bold step will translate into real and lasting relief for the people who need it most.
Key Summary Box
- Governor Peter Mbah has suspended daily toll collection from petty traders without lockup shops in Enugu State, calling the practice illegal.
- A taskforce led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, will enforce compliance, with stiff penalties for violators.
- Two suspects, Christopher Ifeanyi (65) and Chinenye Ugwu, were arraigned for allegedly forging receipts and stealing N700,000 through illegal registration of native doctors.
- The case has been adjourned to May 8, 2026, as the state intensifies its crackdown on illegal revenue collection.
Article by Joseph Iyaji, Journalist, Akahi News (www.akahinews.org)
🎓 Attend 2027/2028 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.