18 touts, illegal revenue collectors arrested, paraded in Onitsha
By Chinwe Nwacha, Onitsha
No fewer than 18 touts and illegal revenue collectors were said to have been arrested at various flash points in Onitsha, Anambra State, Sunday, and paraded by Ocha Brigade group, while extorting road users, especially motorists.
Parading them, the Managing Director, MD, of the group, retired Col. Celestine Anere, stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court to serve as deterrent to would-be future illegal revenue collectors, adding that their activities have dragged the image of the State to ridicule.
He vowed that the group would not relent in its effects towards fishing them out and making them to face the wrath of the law, as part of measures to make the State a better place to live in, since they did not want to look for a better means of livelihood.
According to the group boss, the suspects were arrested at various locations that included, Upper Iweka, "33" junction, Niger Bridgehead approach, Owerri road, Fegge, among others, reiterating that they should either repent or leave the State.
Also reacting, a top official of the group, Mr. Anthony Agbaefuna, stated that criminals and illegality must stop in the State as they have become nuisance to the people of the State.
One of the suspects who pleaded for leniency, Anthony Nweke, pledged never to continue in such criminal activity if released, stating that it was hardship that forced him to engage in the unholy act.
Meanwhile, touts and illegal revenue collectors have gone into hiding since Ocha Brigade group came on board few weeks ego to hunt for them, even as the touts and illegal revenue collectors, embark on what they term, "hit and run operation."
Recall that the extortionists were earlier sacked when Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo' came into office but later came back, and continued in their extortion and beating of motorists and passengers who refused to give them the amount of money demanded.
Tags
CRIME