…I joined the business because I could not find any other means of livelihood – Suspect
…I have been arrested for the same offence before and was granted bail by a magistrate
Anambra state government again have arrested and paraded over twenty suspects for touting and illegal revenue collection in Awka and Onitsha environs. The suspects who have been charged to court where aged between twenty and forty-five,
The suspects were paraded by Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade at the agency’s headquarters in Awka where some confessed to have been involved in different touting activities.
ANN reports that the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere who spoke through the Public Relations Officer of the agency, Mr. Anthony Agbaefune, commended the joint team of OCHA Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Services for their tireless efforts in riding the state of all kinds of touting activities which before now he noted has continuously inconvenienced the members of the public.
Comrade Anere also pointed out that the enforcement team will continue its patrol to ensure that sanity is restored by ridding the state of touts and miscreants who are terrorizing motorists and tricycle operators.
According to him, the agency is making necessary efforts to discourage residents and landlords who are in the habit of channeling waste water on major roads which according to him is unlawful.
He asked Ndi Anambra to send in their complaint and petition as a way to collectively assist and support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s drive towards a better Anambra.
One of the suspects, Mr. Lukman Paul from Kogi State pleaded for mercy saying that he resorted to the business because he could not find any other means of livelihood.
Another Suspect Mr. James confessed to have been arrested for the same offence before and was granted bail by a magistrate who made him promise he was going to be of good behavior and responsible citizen of the state.
“Am an apprentice sent to pick up goods but was apprehended by a team of the OCHA Brigade on his way back despite his explanation with evidence of his goods. He appealed to the state government to intervene in the matter as he is innocent of the said crime leveled against him. Another Suspect told ANN.
