Abia Taskforce Arrests Four Fake NURTW Officials For Extortion And Illegal Levies
The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF) has apprehended four individuals pretending to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for allegedly extorting money, intimidating citizens, and enforcing illegal levies along Port Harcourt Road in Aba and nearby areas. The suspects were caught on Thursday at Flyover Junction near Ugwunagbo during an operation approved by the Aba Area Coordinator of ASHTF, Mr. Uche Wogu. ASHTF spokesperson Miracle Chukwunenye said the arrests followed multiple complaints from market women, traders, and tricycle operators about the unlawful activities of a group led by one Mr. Ahuama. “Upon arrival, the taskforce, in collaboration with the police, arrested Mr. Ahuama and three accomplices who were extorting money from unsuspecting traders and tricycle operators under the pretense of being NURTW officials,” Chukwunenye explained. Investigations showed that the suspects had impounded around 20 tricycles that morning and collected cash from the owners before being intercepted. They reportedly resisted arrest and attacked the operatives and police officers but were eventually subdued and taken into custody. Chukwunenye reminded the public that Abia State enforces a strict No-Cash-at-Hand revenue system, emphasizing that no government personnel is permitted to collect money directly from citizens.