A joint operation by the Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF) and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has led to the arrest of suspected fake revenue agents in Aba and the recovery of ₦766,000 illegally collected from residents.
The operation, carried out at Block 6, Green House, Osisioma Local Government Headquarters, followed several reports of fraudulent revenue notices circulating across the state. Acting on the directive of the Special Adviser on IGR, Mr. Emmanuel Okpechi, the team verified demand notices and discovered widespread forgery and extortion by impostors posing as government agents.
Two suspects were arrested, while two victims were rescued during the raid. Investigations revealed that the fake agents had issued counterfeit notices, seized assets without authorization, and threatened enforcement actions to force payments.
Confirming the development, the Aba Area Coordinator of the Task Force, Hon. Uche Wogu, said the crackdown was initiated after alerts from the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue. He vowed that the government would continue to clamp down on illegal revenue collectors.
Special Adviser on IGR, Mr. Emmanuel Okpechi, condemned the fraud, describing it as sabotage against Governor Alex Otti’s reforms to digitize revenue collection. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent electronic system and warned that anyone caught diverting funds would face prosecution.
The Task Force spokesperson, Comr. Miracle Chukwunenye, advised residents to avoid cash payments and ensure all transactions are made through verified government channels. He announced plans for a statewide sensitization campaign to help residents identify and report fake agents.
