Kogi State Warns Against Illegal Tax Collection Practices

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning that only authorized officers are permitted to collect taxes and levies on behalf of the state government. This caution follows the recent arrest of individuals who allegedly established unauthorized checkpoints to extort money from motorists under various pretenses, including environmental and forestry fees.

The arrests occurred in different locations, including Ajegwu in the Ofu Local Government Area and Ejul in Ajaokuta. The agency's public relations officer, Muham Mukhtar, emphasized that any unauthorized collection of taxes will be treated as extortion.

The revenue service has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving illegal tax collectors. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sanitizing the revenue system and ensuring that collections are conducted strictly through approved government channels, warning that violators will face prosecution according to the law.