Abia Internal Revenue Service Nabs Fake Agent

The Abia State Internal Revenue Service, ABIRS have arrested a fake revenue agent, Nicholas Ogechi, in Umunneochi LGA for allegedly defrauding traders and other businessmen.

He was nabbed by the enforcement unit of ABIRS, led by Mr Chibuzo Chikwendu.

The suspect according to the Abia revenue agency, used his personal bank account to receive money from Umunneochi traders and businessmen even as he sold many hard copy tickets to victims.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia on the arrest, the leader of ABIRS’ enforcement unit, Chibuzo Chikwendu expressed dismay that revenue payments were supposed to be paid directly into IGR accounts rather than being funnelled into Nicholas Ogechi’s private accounts.

The unit maintained that the ban on paper sales of tickets was still in force and wondered why the suspected fake agent continued to issue hard copy tickets to the public whereas the sale of tickets was supposed to be done and accepted only through online payment systems, according to the State government’s policy.

The Abia revenue agency cautioned the general public against falling victim to fake revenue agents even as it assured that the arrested fraudster would be charged to court for prosecution.