Kogi Revenue Service Cracks Down on Fake Tax Collectors, Warns Against Illegal Roadside Levies

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service has cautioned citizens against unlicensed revenue operators by stating that only officially authorized officers are permitted to collect taxes and levies in the state.

The warning comes after several people were recently arrested for allegedly erecting unlawful roadblocks and extorting money from drivers in some areas of the state while posing as official tax collectors.

The suspects were detained in various locations, including Ajegwu in Ofu Local Government Area, Ejule, and Ajaokuta, where they allegedly operated unauthorized checkpoints, according to a post made by the agency's Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Mukhtar, on the Joint Revenue Board's X handle on Tuesday.

He claimed that the people were collecting other fees from drivers under false pretenses, such as "federal haulage" and "environmental and forestry fees," which were not authorized by the government.

"On behalf of the government, only officially authorized officers are allowed to collect taxes and levies.

He declared, "Any roadside collection outside of this arrangement is illegal and will be treated as extortion."

The public was advised by the Revenue Service to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity with unlicensed tax collectors.

It reiterated its dedication to cleaning up the revenue system and making sure that all collections are strictly conducted through authorized government channels.

The agency warned that the state will not put up with actions that could jeopardize legitimate tax management and confirmed that anyone detained will face legal consequences.