Owerri, Nigeria – The Imo State Government has issued a stern warning to unauthorized individuals and criminal syndicates extorting money from transporters using Toyota Sienna vehicles across the state, describing the practice as illegal, unpatriotic, and a direct affront to the rule of law.

In a public notice signed by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, the government condemned the ongoing extortion activities targeting Sienna drivers, particularly those plying the Umuowa and Aba-Owerri expressway.

According to the statement, these illegal agents have been collecting as much as N48,500 for 2005 model Siennas and a staggering N80,000 for 2008 models from unsuspecting drivers—claims the government has categorically denied any knowledge of or association with.

“This government did not authorize the collection of any such levies and does not operate through Point of Sale (POS) agents,” the notice read. “All official payments are strictly done through the Imo State Treasury Single Account (TSA). Any collection outside this channel is not only fraudulent but criminal.”

The government has called on all transporters and motorists in the state and those merely transiting to resist these extortion attempts and to report such incidents immediately to the nearest police station or the Ministry of Transport. Offenders caught engaging in this heinous act will face full prosecution under the law.

The public, particularly commercial drivers, have been urged to stay vigilant and not to fall prey to impostors parading themselves as government agents. The statement further called on law enforcement agencies to swing into action and bring perpetrators of this racket to justice without delay.

“This is not just theft—it is economic sabotage and an attack on the integrity of our state,” Nwaneri warned. “We will not tolerate this criminal enterprise hiding under the guise of government activity.”

The Imo State Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights of road users, maintaining a lawful transport system, and dismantling any network of extortion and illegal taxation within its borders.

The public is hereby advised to take this warning seriously. The era of unchecked criminal levies is over.

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.

As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.

The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration’s resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.

We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis’s recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.

I earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.

I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.

May the risen Christ bless our homes with peace and our nation with continued unity and prosperity.

Happy Easter to all my fellow Nigerians

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

The Federal Government has urged the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia not to further delay the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Exchange of Sentenced Persons between both countries.