ONITSHA – Operatives of the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) have arraigned six illegal revenue collectors before a magistrate court sitting at the Onitsha North Secretariat, Anambra State, over allegations of extorting traders and commercial motor operators in the commercial hub.
Those dragged before the court include Monday Chukwuma, Sunday Chinweze, Uche Nweke, Ekene Onyedimma, Anaekwe Uchenna, and Ugochukwu Ukadike.
The defendants were granted bail under strict conditions, which include a bond ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 and the provision of a surety who must be a grade level 17 civil servant.
According to sources, the intensified crackdown follows the agency’s reaffirmed commitment to restoring order and shielding traders from extortion across the state.
Speaking outside the court hall, the SASA Media spokesperson, Karen James, disclosed that a decisive enforcement operation was carried out in Onitsha and its environs, leading to the arrest of the six individuals accused of unlawfully collecting levies from traders and commercial operators.
“They were arrested following credible intelligence gathering and coordinated field surveillance conducted over a period of time,” she said.
According to the SASA media aide, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly operated without authorisation, imposing illegal charges on unsuspecting members of the public for personal gain.
She stated further that state authorities have emphasised that such activities not only undermine lawful revenue collection systems but also impose undue hardship on small-scale business owners striving to survive in a challenging economic environment.
The court ordered their remand in a correctional facility while granting bail under the strict conditions, including the bond and the grade level 17 civil servant surety.
The Presiding Magistrate adjourned the case to 1st July, 2026, for further hearing.
