The Heavy Duty Haulage Transporters Welfare Association of Nigeria has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate an alleged fake presidential task force accused of extorting motorists and collecting illegal levies on highways across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the association’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Ayobami Makinde, alleged that unlawful taxes collected at unauthorised checkpoints were significantly increasing the cost of transporting goods and contributing to rising prices nationwide.
According to Makinde, the association’s findings revealed that trucks transporting goods from Borno State to Port Harcourt spend between ₦1.8 million and ₦1.9 million on illegal payments, while vehicles travelling from Katsina State to Lagos reportedly pay about ₦1.5 millionq in similar charges.
“The cost of these illegal collections is eventually added to the prices of commodities, making Nigerians bear the burden of unlawful taxation on the highways,” Makinde said.
He argued that collecting taxes through roadblocks contravenes the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, 2004, particularly Section 3(2), which outlines approved taxes collectible by the Federal, state and local governments and prescribes penalties for unauthorised tax collection.
Makinde claimed that nearly 80 per cent of those collecting taxes and levies on Nigerian highways lacked legal authorisation from any level of government.
“Neither the Federal Government nor state and local governments have the legal authority to establish roadblocks for the sole purpose of generating revenue,” he added.
The association also inaugurated its National Working Committee, naming Hon. Oraka Nnaemaka as National Chairman, Ambassador Ayobami Makinde as Secretary-General, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar as President of the Board, Azubuike Nwanko as Board Secretary and Valentine Anona as Deputy Director of Operations.
Makinde further disclosed that the association had filed a suit at the Federal High Court last year seeking an order compelling law enforcement agencies to enforce laws against illegal highway tax collection. He said judgment was delivered in favour of the association on the 13th of this month, adding that members were awaiting the Certified True Copy before releasing it publicly.
The association also accused one Emmanuel Osiegbemeh of operating a fake presidential task force allegedly involved in extorting motorists and revenue officials across several states.
Makinde alleged that an investigation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department recommended criminal charges against the suspect, who was later declared wanted after allegedly jumping police bail. Despite this, he claimed the suspect continued operating with the support of some police personnel.
He further alleged that the suspect forged an internal memo from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and falsely presented it as presidential approval for the establishment of a task force. According to him, the document merely sought comments from security agencies on an application and did not authorise the creation of any presidential task force.
The association alleged that the group operated in Delta, Enugu and Ebonyi states, where its members reportedly arrested revenue officials, extorted money and issued unofficial receipts.
Makinde also claimed that some suspected members of the group were currently being held by the Department of State Services in Oyo State, while another incident involving persons allegedly linked to the group resulted in a road accident along the Enugu-Ebonyi boundary that destroyed a newly acquired trailer.
He said the association possessed documentary evidence, including police reports, receipts, identity cards and video recordings, which it would present to journalists and relevant authorities.
Appealing to IGP Disu to order a fresh investigation, Makinde urged the police chief to ensure that anyone found culpable, including any officers allegedly aiding the group’s activities, was brought to justice.
Describing the alleged activities as a threat to national security, he called for decisive action to end illegal taxation on Nigerian highways, protect transport operators and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
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