By Chuks Eke
Six persons arrested by Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad Agency, SASA in various parts of the state have been docked in a Senior Magistrate Court in Onitsha and given stringent bail conditions.
The accused persons are Monday Chukwuka a native of Effiom in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, Sunday Chinweze, a native of Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra state residing at No. 37 Awalite Street, Okpoko Layout within the commercial city of Onitsha and Uche Nweke, a native of Ameekeh in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state residing at No. 20 St. Lwanga Street, Okpoko.
Others are Ekene Onyedimma a native of Awo Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo state residing at No. 59 B-Line, Okpoko, Anakwe Uchenna, a native of Achi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu state residing at No. 9 Nimo Street, Fegge, Onitsha and
Ugochukwu Ukadike, a native of Nkporo in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia state residing a No. 3 Ogbunike Street, Okpoko.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons were apprehended by SASA for allegedly engaging in unlawful collection of levies, extorting traders and commercial transport operators within some designated areas.
The prosecution noted that peliminary investigations indicate that the accused persons operated independently, without authorization from any recognized government body or agency.
Following their arrest, they were arraigned before the senior Magistrate Court in Onitsha presided over by His Worship, Ukamaka Okoye who granted them bail in the sum of N200″000 each and a fine of N300,000 each with one surety who must be a verified Level 17 civil servant.
The court therefore adjourned the matter to July 1, this year for hearing with an order that the accused persons be remanded in Onitsha Correctional Center until their bail conditions are perfected.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court proceedings, Amb. Karen James Media Aide to SASA reiterated SASA’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal levies, extortion, and all forms of economic sabotage.
According to the Media Aide, “The Agency remains resolute in its mission to restore order, protect legitimate businesses, and uphold a safe, transparent, and lawful business environment across Anambra State”.
“The public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and to promptly report any incidents of illegal revenue collection, harassment, or intimidation to the appropriate authorities. SASA assures residents, stakeholders and the entire business community that all reports will be treated with urgency and confidentiality”.
“SASA, Anambra State, hereby notifies the general public of its sustained and uncompromising enforcement operations targeted at eradicating illegal revenue collection, extortion, and touting activities across the state, said James, adding, it was in line with its statutory mandate that SASA operatives recently carried out coordinated operations within Onitsha and its environs, leading to the arrest of the accused persons”.
