Four Jailed for Illegal Revenue Collection in Delta

A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State has sentenced four men Otekevwe Festus, Charles Chinedu, Matthew Onisukume, and Marcus Chinugo to four years imprisonment each for conspiracy and extortion.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) for illegally collecting revenue at Koko Junction along the Sapele–Benin Expressway, contrary to the state’s revenue laws.

Delivering judgment, the court found the defendants guilty of unlawfully extorting motorists and engaging in unauthorized tax collection. They were sentenced to four years imprisonment with hard labour or an option of N2 million fine each, to be served at the Sapele Correctional Centre.

Reacting to the judgment, the Executive Chairman of the DSIRS, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, hailed the ruling as a victory for due process and a strong deterrent against illegal revenue activities in the state.

“We applaud the court’s decision, which sends a strong message that tax evasion and extortion will not be tolerated in Delta State,” Ighrakpata said. “This judgment reinforces our commitment to safeguarding government revenue and ensuring all taxable entities comply with the law.”

He urged residents and business owners to report any cases of unauthorized revenue collection to the DSIRS, emphasizing that collaboration between citizens and authorities is vital to building a culture of accountability and voluntary tax compliance.

“Together, we can build a culture of voluntary compliance and contribute to the sustainable development of our great state,” he added.