Executive Director, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) Dr Christian Madubuko
has lamented over the involvement of stakeholder in revenue diversions.
Madubuko while speaking during the parad of about fifteen men for suspected revenue diversions, maintained that most diversions are perpetrated by people who should be ‘stakeholders’
They were paraded shortly after the unit went for revenue drive in Onitsha and environs led by the in-charge of the Unit. They were apprehended at different locations intimidating and harassing people to pay them different taxes and levies after which they pocket the money.
Madubuko narrated how these expected stakeholders print different illegal emblems and how some government officials aid them in their unholy acts.
He pleaded with those who have been unjustly intimidated and detained to report to the service as those parading themselves as agents of government are not.
ANN reports that Anambra state government had received several reports of how the group harass and bully unsuspecting members of the public to collect the illegal revenues.
One of those arrested by the AIRS, Mr Monday Ikechi said they received the AIRS vests from one Mr Desmond Ibeh who they learnt works with the service.
He said they do not collect money from people but were checking the payment app to know those who paid or who do not, asking the service the streamline their operations.
Another person thar was arrested by the team by the name, Mr Onyebuchi Okoye said he works at Ogbaru and was accounting to one Dubem and Iweka who in turn accounts to one “Abig Nwankwo”.
According to him, Mr Nwankwo took to his heels when the revenue enforcement team arrived the park.
Another suspect, Ikechukwu Nwachkwu said he sas accountable to one “Edu Achalla” and that they collect revenue from tricycle operators at Upper Iweka garden.
Also apprehended was Mr Bethram Asomugha who collects revenue with Quickteller app but do not deposit to government coffers, saying he didn’t know that one should be authorized by AIRS before venturing into the business.
