The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) has arrested two men for extorting traders and commercial operators in Idemili North Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Michael Uwaoma and Ndubuisi Aniukwu, were apprehended during enforcement operations at Mgbuka Obosi and Umusiome Junction, Nkpor.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by SASA spokesperson Karen James, the arrests form part of the agency’s ongoing campaign to eliminate illegal revenue collection and extortion across the state. She said the suspects were arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court and remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
James explained that preliminary investigations revealed Aniukwu acted under the instruction of one Onyekwelu, who allegedly imposed a daily remittance target on him. The court granted bail under strict conditions, including a ₦100,000 bond, a ₦300,000 fine, and a verified Level 17 civil servant as surety. The case was adjourned to June 3, 2026, for further hearing.
She reiterated SASA’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal levies and extortion, stressing that the agency remains committed to restoring order and protecting legitimate businesses. “Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of illegal collection or harassment to the appropriate authorities,” the statement added.
The arrests highlight SASA’s intensified efforts to curb touting and unauthorised levies that have long disrupted commercial activities in Anambra. The agency, established to enforce state laws against extortion, has been conducting regular operations targeting individuals and groups who impose illegal fees on traders, transporters, and artisans.
Earlier this month, SASA destroyed illicit drugs valued at about ₦80 million during coordinated raids across Onitsha, Nsugbe, Umuchu, Ojoto, Oba, Nkpor, and Nkwelle Ezunaka. Managing Director Monday Nwokoye said the operation followed credible intelligence and reinforced the agency’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities linked to touting and drug trafficking.
Nwokoye noted that the agency’s work extends beyond enforcement to community sensitisation and collaboration with local authorities. He emphasised that SASA’s mission is to create a safe and lawful environment for residents and traders by dismantling networks that exploit the public spaces for illegal revenue collection.
The crackdown on touting and extortion has become a major focus of the Anambra State Government’s broader initiative to improve business conditions and public safety. Authorities have repeatedly warned that individuals caught engaging in unauthorised levies will face prosecution.
SASA’s latest arrests serve as a reminder of the government’s determination to end the long-standing menace of illegal economic activities. By enforcing strict penalties and encouraging public reporting, the agency aims to strengthen transparency and accountability in local revenue systems.
The agency’s operations reflect a growing effort to professionalise revenue collection, safeguard traders, and ensure that only authorised officials handle state-approved levies. With continued enforcement and community cooperation, Anambra hopes to sustain progress toward a more orderly and secure commercial environment.
