NSCDC Arrests Three for Alleged Illegal Revenue Collection, Vandalism in Kogi

The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended two individuals for allegedly engaging in illegal revenue collection and another suspect for vandalizing electricity infrastructure belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Parading the suspects before journalists, the Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu, identified them as Musa Baba, 52, and Muhammed Usman, 32, both accused of criminal conspiracy and unauthorized revenue collection. According to Aliyu, their actions contravene the laws of Kogi State.

The suspects were reportedly arrested on Tuesday, February 11, at Paparanda Square in Lokoja while selling tickets to motorcycle riders.

Speaking on his involvement, Musa Baba claimed he obtained the tickets from an individual named El-Bashir, who introduced himself as an accredited revenue consultant to the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS). "I did not know the tickets were unauthorized," Baba said in his defense.

However, the Acting Chairman of KGIRS, Emmanuel Yusufu, clarified that the only recognized revenue consultant by the agency is A’S Consulting, led by Adebayo Daramola.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Revenue, Nasir Rahman Ichanyi, issued a stern warning against illegal revenue collection, stating, “Anyone parading themselves as revenue consultants without proper accreditation should desist immediately or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.”

The crackdown aligns with the state government's directive issued in January, which banned unauthorized revenue collection and ticket sales. Security agencies were mandated to enforce compliance with this order.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC also presented a 34-year-old suspect, Abba Sabo, who was arrested for alleged conspiracy, vandalism, and receipt of stolen property in Ganaga Village along Wada Road.

According to Aliyu, Sabo was involved in the crime alongside an accomplice, Friday Stephen, who specializes in vandalizing AEDC installations and remains at large. “The stolen items were sold to Sabo by Stephen. Our operatives are actively working to track him down,” he stated.

Aliyu confirmed that all suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations, reiterating the NSCDC’s commitment to enforcing the ban on illegal revenue collection and protecting critical infrastructure in the state.