In line with its commitment to restoring sanity around urban and suburban areas in Anambra State, men of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade, have apprehended touts and illegal revenue collectors operating around Onitsha Bridge Head and Ugwu-Nwasike Ogidi areas of the State.
The suspects were arrested for carrying out nefarious activities, attacking men of OCHA Brigade who were on duty and shortchanging motorists under the guise of government officials.
The Public Relations Officer of OCHA Brigade, Mr. Anthony Agbaefune in an interview said some of those apprehended were notorious touts who used weapons and physical force to extort money from motorists and unsuspecting citizens.
He noted that during their clamp-down, one Chijoke Godwin resisted arrest, and while trying to escape, sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment after which he will be charged to court.
He used the opportunity to warn those that do not have any legitimate business and are carrying out illegal duties across the State, to desist forthwith, as the authority will not hesitate to arrest and hand over such individuals to law enforcement agency for prosecution.
The said suspect, Mr. Chijoke Godwin said that he was apprehended at Onitsha Bridge Head, claiming that he is a licensed driver and not a tout, but only ran for safety as he had never been arrested and will not want to be kept behind bars for any reason, and pleaded for leniency.
Two other suspects, Wilson Chukwueze and Mr. Chike Ikechukwu said that they are drivers at Building Materials International Market, but went to Ugwu-Nwasike to inquire from the team of OCHA Brigade about the machine for the enrollment of their taxes and later some group of boys with tricycles stormed the area and stated fighting staff of the agency after which they rescued them and expressed surprise that the agency, they fought for will later arrest them for aiding the attack.
They called on the State government to carry out a thorough investigation as they are drivers known by their unions and have no questionable character.
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