Illegal Revenue Collection: OCHA Brigade nabs one suspect with dangerous weapons

Strategies put in place by the Anambra State Government to end revenue touting in the commercial town of Onitsha and across the State are fast yielding positive results.

Hours ago operatives of the State-owned “Operation Clean Healthy Anambra” (OCHA Brigadier) arrested a young man at Williams Street/Bright Street near Onitsha Main Market.

The man who identified himself simply as Chinaza, alias “Ojiba” was arrested by the operatives following a desperate phone call by sympathisers at the market who witnessed the illegal activities of the suspect and his fleeing colleagues.

However, when OCHA Brigade operatives arrived at the venue of the scene on sighting them other suspects had already fled leaving only Chinaza to his fate.

The suspect who was seen with dangerous weapons such as a sharp knife and pestle confessed to the crime.

According to him, they were frequently sent by the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Innocent Ezeoha who he said knows about the activities of his group.

The suspect who has since been handed over to Central Police Station, Onitsha for investigation further named one Kenneth as the man directly in charge of his illegal operations and another man simply identified as “Sotee” as one who takes inventory of seized goods from traders.

The State Government has often frowned at the rising rate of illegal revenue touting in the State, especially Onitsha.

Illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha are sometimes backed by influential people in government who use their privileged positions to intimidate traders who dare challenge their actions.

Chief Celestine Anere, Managing Director/ Supretendent-General, OCHA Brigade has vowed to end illegal revenue collection in Anambra State.

The group’s recent improved actions against touting, blockage of water channels and filthy environment have earned them applause from residents across the State.

Onitsha Zone Coordinator, OCHA Brigade, Hon. Linus Ufoh in an interview over the arrest said that his group would continue to adhere to the directives of Gov.Chukwuma Soludo, the State Deputy Governor, Dr.Onyeka Ibezim aimed at sanitising the State.

He commended the MD of OCHA Brigade, Chief Anere and called for more logistics to enable the group to continue to work effectively

Illegal Revenue Collection: OCHA Brigade Nabs One Suspect With Dangerous Weapons

Afam Aminu Chimezie, Onitsha

Strategies put in place by the Anambra State Government to end revenue touting in the commercial town of Onitsha and across the State are fast yielding positive results.

Hours ago operatives of the State-owned “Operation Clean Healthy Anambra”(OCHA Brigadier) arrested a young man at Williams Street/Bright Street near Onitsha Main Market.

The man who identified himself simply as Chinaza, alias “Ojiba” was arrested by the operatives following a desperate phone call by sympathisers at the market who witnessed the illegal activities of the suspect and his fleeing colleagues.

However, when OCHA Brigade operatives arrived at the venue of the scene on sighting them other suspects had already fled leaving only Chinaza to his fate.

The suspect who was seen with dangerous weapons such as a sharp knife and pestle confessed to the crime.

According to him, they were frequently sent by the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Innocent Ezeoha who he said knows about the activities of his group.

The suspect who has since been handed over to Central Police Station, Onitsha for investigation further named one Kenneth as the man directly in charge of his illegal operations and another man simply identified as “Sotee” as one who takes inventory of seized goods from traders.

The State Government has often frowned at the rising rate of illegal revenue touting in the State, especially Onitsha.

Illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha are sometimes backed by influential people in government who use their privileged positions to intimidate traders who dare challenge their actions.