lookCrackdown on Illegal Levies: Mbah Abolishes Daily Market Tolls, Police Arraign Two in Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal revenue collectors and extortionists operating across the state.
In a decisive move on Tuesday, the governor announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of daily toll collections imposed on petty traders without lock-up shops, declaring the practice illegal.
The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting on the harmonisation of market revenue collection, organised by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Mbah stated that the measure aligns with the state’s new tax policies aimed at easing the burden on low-income earners. He warned that anyone found collecting daily levies of ₦100 or ₦200—whether on behalf of the government or otherwise—would face strict legal consequences.
To ensure compliance, the governor disclosed that a task force chaired by the SSG has been established. He also urged local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, Presidents-General, civil society groups, and residents to report any violations.
Mbah clarified that the suspension does not affect traders operating in lock-up shops, who are required to pay annual fees ranging between ₦30,000 and ₦36,000. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to policies that do not worsen the economic hardship of the people.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has arraigned two suspects before an Enugu North Magistrate Court over alleged fraud involving illegal revenue collection.
The defendants, Mr. Christopher Ifeanyi, 65, and Miss Chinenye Ugwu, were charged with conspiracy, stealing, and forgery. According to the three-count charge (No. MEN/153C/2026), the suspects allegedly conspired on March 31, 2026, at the Enugu North Local Government Secretariat to commit felony by forging receipts used in the registration of native doctors.
They were further accused of stealing ₦700,000 belonging to the Enugu State Government and presenting forged receipts as genuine to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 495(a), 436, and 443(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding Magistrate, O.S. Chukwuani, subsequently adjourned the case to May 8 for further hearing.
The prosecution was led by Police Prosecutor Rosemary Ojobo, while Onyinye Ugwu appeared as State Counsel, representing the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
