Enugu Government Suspends Daily Market Tolls; Two Arraigned for Revenue Fraud

ENUGU — In a decisive move to curb extortion and alleviate the financial burden on low-income earners, Governor Peter Mbah has announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of daily toll collections from petty traders across Enugu State.

The directive, which targets traders without formal lockup shops, coincided with the arraignment of two individuals by the Enugu State Police Command for allegedly forging government revenue documents.

Protecting Petty Traders from Extortion

Speaking on behalf of the Governor during a stakeholders' meeting on revenue harmonization, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, clarified that the daily collection of ₦100 to ₦200 from informal traders is now illegal.

"This action aligns with our new tax laws designed to protect the most vulnerable members of our society," Prof. Onyia stated. "The administration remains firmly opposed to any practices that escalate the economic hardships faced by our people."

To ensure strict compliance, the state has established a task force chaired by the SSG. Governor Mbah warned that any individual—whether acting on behalf of the government or privately—caught collecting these banned levies will face the "full weight of the law."

While daily tolls for petty traders are abolished, the Governor noted that the annual fees for traders in lockup shops (ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦36,000) remain in effect. He called on traditional rulers, market leaders, and civil society organizations to report any violations to the task force.

Arraignment for Forgery and Theft

In a related development, the Enugu State Police Command has arraigned Mr. Christopher Ifeanyi (65) and Ms. Chinenye Ugwu before an Enugu North Magistrate Court. The duo is accused of conspiring to defraud the public through the illegal registration of native doctors using forged Enugu North Local Government Area receipts.

The three-count charge (MEN/153C/2026) includes:

• Conspiracy and Stealing: Allegedly stealing ₦700,000 belonging to the Enugu State Government.

• Forgery: Creating counterfeit local government receipts with the intent to present them as genuine.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. His Worship O.S. Chukwuani has adjourned the matter to May 8, 2026, for further hearing.

The prosecution was led by Rosemary Ojobo, with Onyinye Ugwu from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) holding a watching brief for the state.