The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF) has arrested four individuals impersonating members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for allegedly engaging in extortion, intimidation, and illegal enforcement activities along the Port Harcourt Road axis of Aba and its environs.
The suspects were apprehended on Thursday at the Flyover Junction around Ugwunagbo during an operation authorized by the Aba Area Coordinator of ASHTF, Mr. Uche Wogu.
In a statement issued by the Taskforce’s spokesperson, Miracle Chukwunenye, the agency disclosed that it acted following multiple complaints from market women, traders, and tricycle (Keke) operators who reported the group’s unlawful activities.
“Upon arrival, the Taskforce, in joint effort with the police, arrested Mr. Ahuama and three accomplices who were caught extorting money from unsuspecting traders and tricycle operators under the false pretense of being NURTW officials,” Chukwunenye stated.
He added that investigations revealed the suspects had earlier impounded about twenty tricycles that morning and collected money from their owners before being intercepted.
According to the spokesperson, the suspects resisted arrest and attacked Taskforce operatives and police officers but were eventually subdued and taken into custody.
Chukwunenye also used the opportunity to remind traders and transporters that Abia State operates a strict No-Cash-at-Hand revenue policy, emphasizing that no government-authorized personnel is permitted to collect cash directly from citizens.