Authorities Warn Against Unauthorized Revenue Agents and Infrastructure Sabotage
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command, has arrested and paraded three individuals over allegations of illegal revenue collection and vandalism of electricity infrastructure belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
Illegal Revenue Collection in Lokoja
Among the suspects are 52-year-old Musa Baba and 32-year-old Muhammed Usman, accused of engaging in unauthorized revenue collection.
Speaking on the arrest, NSCDC spokesperson Abdullahi Aliyu stated that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, February 11, while selling tickets to motorcycle riders at Paparanda Square in Lokoja.
Aliyu emphasized that their actions amounted to criminal conspiracy and illegal revenue collection, both of which violate state laws.
One of the suspects, Musa Baba, claimed innocence, stating that he had obtained the tickets from a man named El-Bashir, who allegedly posed as an accredited revenue consultant to the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS).
Government Issues Stern Warning
In response, Acting Chairman of KGIRS, Mr. Emmanuel Yusufu, clarified that the only recognized revenue consultant for the agency is A’S Consulting, managed by Mr. Adebayo Daramola.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue, Nasir Rahman Ichanyi, issued a strong warning to individuals posing as unauthorized revenue collectors, urging them to desist or face severe legal consequences.
The Kogi State Government had earlier, in January, banned all illegal revenue collection and unauthorized ticket sales, directing security agencies to enforce compliance.
NSCDC Arrests Suspect for Electricity Vandalism
In a related development, the NSCDC also arrested 34-year-old Abba Sabo for alleged conspiracy, vandalism, and receiving stolen electricity infrastructure components.
Sabo was accused of purchasing stolen items from Friday Stephen, a notorious vandal currently at large.
Aliyu assured the public that the command is actively working to track down Stephen and bring him to justice.
“The suspects will be prosecuted upon completion of investigations, and the NSCDC remains committed to enforcing the state’s ban on illegal revenue collection and infrastructure vandalism,” Aliyu affirmed.
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