In a bid to enforce the recent the Federal Government’s ban on road blocks, the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has arrested several individuals involved in setting up illegal road blocks and collecting unauthorised fees.

According to a statement by the public relations officer, Muhammed Mukhtar, KGIRS officials lay ambush on the streets in Ofu local government of Kogi state and successfully apprehended one Paul Okpanachi, who admitted to operating a road block in Ajegwu, Ofu Local Government Area of the State, where he collected Environmental and Forestry fees from vehicles.

 Okpanachi further revealed that he charged ₦1,000 per vehicle and had been doing so for two months, earning ₦5,000 daily.

Another individual, one 28-year-old Daniel Sunday, was also arrested in Ejule, the same Ofu Local Government Area of the State. Sunday claimed he was employed by one Mr. Hamza Musa to collect fees and issue receipts to vehicles, and he had been operating for four months.

Also, one 32-year old Jafaru Husseini was also apprehended along Ajaokuta road who claimed to be engaged to collect what he termed “federal haulage”.

The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Sule Salihu Enehe, PhD. ably represented by the Service’s Director of Legal Services and Compliance, vowed that the Service will continue its efforts to eradicate illegal roadblocks and ensure free movement of people and goods in Kogi State.

He further advised the general public to report any instances of unauthorised roadblocks or fees collection to the relevant authorities.