Brigade Charges 20 To Court For Illegal Revenue Collection, Touting In Anambra

The Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra, (OCHA) Brigade has paraded and charged over 20 suspects to court for touting and illegal revenue collection in Awka and Onitsha urban centres.

According to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the suspects, aged between 20 and 45, were paraded at the agency's headquarters in Awka where some confessed to have been involved in different touting activities. 

Speaking, one of the suspects, Lukman Paul from Kogi State pleaded for mercy as he resorted to the business after he couldn't find any other means of livelihood. 

The suspect confessed to have been arrested for the same offence before and was granted bail by a  magistrate who made him promise he was going to be of good behavior and responsible citizen of the state. 

Another suspect, Emmanuel Omah said he is an apprentice sent to pick up goods but was  apprehended by a team of the OCHA Brigade on his way back despite his explanation with evidence of his goods. 

He appealed to the state government to intervene in the matter as he is innocent of the said crime leveled against him. 

Parading the suspects, the Managing Director Of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere who spoke through the Public Relations Officer of the agency, Anthony Agbaefune commended the joint team of OCHA Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Services for their tireless efforts in riding the state from all kinds of touting activities which before now has continuously inconvenienced the members of the public. 

Anere also pointed out that the enforcement team will continue its patrol to ensure that sanity is restored to the state and streets rid of touts and miscreants who are terrorizing motorists and tricycle operators. 

According him, the agency is making necessary efforts to discourage residents and landlords who are in the habit of channeling waste water on major roads which according to him is unlawful. 

He asked Ndi Anambra to send in their complains and petition as a way to collectively assist and support Governor Chukwuma Soludo's drive to better Anambra.