By Dipo Olowookere
Special X-Squad Teams of the Nigeria Police Force have been deployed across the country to commence with effect from Monday, April 17, 2017 the removal of all forms of illegal blockage of highways and roads, and other obstructions created by unlawful revenue/tax collectors, transport unions, labour and rrade related unions inhibiting vehicular movement and smooth passage of passengers and goods, and other road users.
This followed the directive given by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood, said the Special X-Squad Teams deployed are under strict instructions to also arrest, investigate and prosecute any person or group of persons found committing this illegal act.
The statement pointed out that, “It is unlawful and contrary to the laws for any individual, or group under any name to take laws into their hands and block any road or highway in full or any part of it under the guise of collection of revenue/tax or enforcement of the interests of such organisations.”
The police chief said for avoidance of doubt, the Taxes and Levies act, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 section 2 (2) disallowed any person, including a tax authority from mounting a road block in any part of the Federation for the purposes of collecting any tax or levy.
”It is evident from the numerous complaints received at Police Stations across the country that these illegal blockage points were most times taken over and used by Armed Robbers and Kidnappers to rob, kidnap and maim innocent travellers and other road users,” he said.
The statement said, “The Nigeria Police Force implored the affected stakeholders to prevail on their proxies, agents and representatives to desist forthwith the blockage of highways and roads across the country, as the full weight of the law will be applied on anyone arrested in the act, and they will be prosecuted along with their sponsors.
“Parents and guidance are also enjoined to monitor their children and wards not to be used to commit illegal acts under the pretence of employment.”
The police advised the relevant state governments, local government councils, boards of internal revenue service across the country, various transport unions, labour and traders associations that it is against the law for any organization to create a blockage and restrict or restrain members of the public the free usage of roads and highways anywhere in the country.
Adedapo Adesanya