The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF) has arrested four men for impersonating members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and engaging in extortion and intimidation along the busy Port Harcourt Road axis in Aba.
The suspects were apprehended on Thursday near the Flyover Junction in the Ugwunagbo area following a coordinated operation approved by the Aba Area Coordinator of the Taskforce, Mr. Uche Wogu.
According to a statement by ASHTF spokesperson Miracle Chukwunenye, the arrests followed numerous complaints from traders, market women, and tricycle (Keke) operators who reported being harassed and forced to pay illegal levies by a group led by one Mr. Ahuama.
“Upon arrival, the Taskforce, in collaboration with the police, arrested Mr. Ahuama and three accomplices who were caught extorting money from unsuspecting traders and Keke operators while posing as NURTW officials,” Chukwunenye said.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had already impounded about 20 tricycles earlier in the day and collected cash payments from their owners before being intercepted by enforcement officers. During the operation, the suspects reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to assault Taskforce operatives and police officers before they were subdued and taken into custody.
Chukwunenye reminded the public that Abia State runs a strict No-Cash-at-Hand revenue policy, emphasizing that no government-recognized official or taskforce member is allowed to collect money directly from citizens. He urged traders and transporters to remain vigilant and report any unauthorized individuals or groups attempting to extort money under the guise of government or union operations.
