Edo State's revenue taskforce has arrested two men accused of shaking down drivers for illegal levies in Benin City. The operation took place on June 22, 2026.
Osasere Amadin and Irahbor Destiny were detained near Third Junction after acting on tip-offs about extortion. Taskforce officials had been monitoring the area for suspicious activity.
Station Officer Rufus Johnbull led the arrests that morning. He told reporters the team deployed surveillance after receiving intelligence about ongoing collections from motorists in the zone.
"We got there and mapped out surveillance and were able to arrest some suspects engaged in the illegal act," Johnbull noted. He pledged that anyone involved in unlawful revenue collection would face arrest and prosecution.
Destiny admitted to the charges during questioning. He claimed he worked under a vigilante group's Chief Security Officer who oversaw their operations.
According to him, drivers sometimes handed over money voluntarily. "The sharing formula is directed by the CSO who I worked for," Destiny revealed to investigators.
Amadin, his co-suspect, disputed the allegations against him. He denied any involvement in the extortion scheme at Third Junction.
Johnbull's assurance to residents reflected the taskforce's commitment to stamping out illegal revenue practices. Officials say they'll intensify operations across Benin City's notorious collection points.
Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation. Authorities didn't specify charges they'd face in court.
