By Our Reporter
4 armed men parading as government accredited revenue agents has been apprehended and arrested by the enforcement team of Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Citypost gathered that these impostors marauding along the 33 axis were said to be equally responsible for reported cases of kidnapping and unlawful extortion of road users within the area.
Verified information from the agency revealed that traders in the area were being forced by the miscreants to either comply with their demands or pay the sum of ₦5,000 extra at gun point, hence their (the traders) decision to inform the enforcement machinery of the AIRS.
Consequently, the enforcement team led by the Director of Operations Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr Christian Madubuko responded swiftly, arrested the suspects and handed them over to the Department of State Security (DSS) where they are now providing useful information about their activities.
Similarly, the agency also arrested two officials of the tax office for complicity in financial irregularities. The officers arrested by the Executive Director Operations at the Revenue House were Mr Francis Ezenwa (HOD BACK DUTY/ WITHHOLDING TAX, AIRS) and Mr Chika Ofomata (HOD DIRECT ASSESSMENT AIRS).
This latest development is just one among several successful operations so far carried out by the AIRS in its determination to sanitize the internal revenue system of the state and create conducive environment for effective and sustainable development.
Speaking to Citypost shortly after the operation, Dr Madubuko disclosed that the agency is poised to ensuring seamless partnership between government and investors in the state, therefore will no longer tolerate sharp practices from any individual or group intending to undermine its decision in that regards.
“It is the obligation of this administration to imbibe best practices for revenue collection in the state, bearing in mind the growing economic challenges and the need to provide the essential needs of the citizens which includes, security, job opportunities and critical infrastructure.
“The AIRS will no longer tolerate the business as usual approach to internal revenue generation considering that unchecked instances of financial impropriety and unlawful harassment of hardworking traders is no doubt a breeding ground for massive corruption and economic instability.
“Recent arrests of armed revenue agents and designated government tax officials found culpable for financial crimes is meant to serve as a deterrent to prospective corrupt individuals whose nefarious activities has over the years undermined government efforts to ensure adequate delivery of democracy dividends to the citizenry.” Madubuko stated.
Attached video clip is a clear indication of the people’s deep appreciation of government’s approach towards eradicating illegal tax collection and revenue malpractices in the state.
