ASABA – The Nat’ President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comr. Akpovoke Otiti, has called for an urgent investigation into allegations of illegal levy collection and extortion allegedly being carried out by individuals claiming to represent government agencies in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Otiti’s call follows reports that an individual was allegedly seen around the Midwifery Axis in Asaba at about 9:30 p.m. on June 23, 2026, demanding money from traders while identifying himself as an official of the Delta State Ministry of Environment.
He also expressed concern over complaints from traders, POS operators and other small business owners who alleged that some task force personnel have been demanding payments of up to N10,000 while claiming to be acting on behalf of the Oshimili South Local Government Council.
Speaking on the development, Otiti urged the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council and the Delta State Commissioner for Environment to clarify whether the individuals involved were duly authorised to conduct enforcement and revenue collection activities.
According to him, the growing reports have raised concerns among residents and business operators, many of whom are uncertain about the legitimacy of the demands being made on them.
“We are calling on the relevant authorities to provide clarification and reassure the public. If these individuals are authorised officials, their mandate should be clearly communicated. If they are impostors, urgent action should be taken to stop their activities and bring them to justice,” he said.
The GOMEP-NG President stressed that transparency and accountability remain essential to maintaining public trust in government institutions, particularly at a time when citizens and businesses are grappling with economic challenges.
He further appealed to the affected agencies to issue a public statement on the matter and establish clear channels through which residents can verify the identity of enforcement officers operating within their communities.
Otiti noted that a prompt response from the authorities would help protect traders, business owners and residents from possible exploitation while strengthening confidence in government regulatory processes.
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