The Heavy Duty Haulage Transporters Welfare Association of Nigeria has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate an alleged fake presidential task force and put an end to illegal taxes and extortion on Nigerian highways.

The association said at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday that unauthorized checkpoints and illegal levies have become a major driver of inflation, as transporters are forced to pay millions of naira on single trips.

Its Secretary-General, Ambassador Ayobami Makinde, said findings showed that trucks moving goods from Borno State to Port Harcourt pay between ₦1.8 million and ₦1.9 million in illegal charges, while those from Katsina to Lagos pay about ₦1.5 million.

“The cost of these illegal collections is eventually added to the prices of commodities, making Nigerians bear the burden of unlawful taxation on the highways,” Makinde stated.

He argued that the roadblock collections violate the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, 2004, specifically Section 3(2), which prescribes penalties for unauthorized tax collection. According to him, about 80 per cent of those collecting levies on highways have no approval from any tier of government.

“Neither the Federal Government nor state and local governments have the legal authority to establish roadblocks for the sole purpose of generating revenue,” he added.

Alleged Fake Task Force
Makinde alleged that one Emmanuel Osiegbemeh is operating a fake presidential task force involved in extorting motorists and revenue officials across the country.

He said petitions to the Nigeria Police Force led to an investigation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, which recommended criminal charges. The suspect was reportedly declared wanted after jumping bail but has continued to operate with the alleged support of some police personnel.

Makinde further alleged that the suspect forged an internal memo from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and presented it as presidential approval. He said the document only requested comments from security agencies and did not constitute approval.

The association claimed the group has operated in Delta, Enugu and Ebonyi states, where members allegedly arrested revenue officials, extorted money and issued unofficial receipts. It also alleged that some suspected members are in DSS custody in Oyo State, and that another incident linked to the group caused a road accident at the Enugu-Ebonyi boundary that destroyed a new trailer.

Makinde said the association has documentary evidence including police reports, receipts, ID cards and video recordings which will be made available to journalists and authorities.

On Court Case and New Leadership
The association disclosed that it filed a suit at the Federal High Court last year seeking an order of mandamus to compel law enforcement agencies to enforce the law against illegal highway taxation. Judgment was delivered on July 13 in favor of the applicants, and the association said it is awaiting the Certified True Copy.

The group also inaugurated its National Working Committee. The new officials are Hon. Oraka Nnaemaka as National Chairman, Ambassador Ayobami Makinde as Secretary-General, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar as President of the Board, Azubuike Nwanko as Board Secretary, and Valentine Anona as Deputy Director of Operations.

Makinde urged the IGP to order a fresh investigation into the allegations and sanction anyone found culpable, including police officers allegedly aiding the purported task force.

He described the activities as a threat to national security and called for decisive action to eliminate illegal taxation on the highways, protect transport operators, and restore public confidence in law enforcement.