Abia Govt Clamps Down on Fake Revenue Syndicate in Ariaria Market, Arrests Task Force Impersonator

The Abia State Government has arrested a suspected fake revenue agent and alleged chief task force impersonator, Mr. Benedict Elias, popularly known as “Star,” over reported attacks on official government revenue agents and the illegal disruption of revenue collection activities at Ariaria International Market, Aba.

The arrest was carried out on Wednesday evening, January 6, 2026, in collaboration with security operatives, following complaints lodged by state government revenue agents operating within the market. The agents alleged that Mr. Elias had been impersonating a government task force official, intimidating revenue collectors and forcefully halting their lawful operations.

Preliminary investigations by revenue officials revealed that monies meant for the Abia State Government were allegedly seized during the disruptions and diverted to the Acting Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Mr. Hyacinth Ositadinma Nnabude. The incident reportedly occurred a day before the arrest of Mr. Elias.

As of the time of filing this report, Mr. Nnabude was said to have fled Aba and has been declared wanted by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue (ABIR). Efforts are ongoing to recover the allegedly diverted funds and dismantle the suspected illegal revenue network operating within the market.

This is not the first time Mr. Elias has been linked to impersonation-related allegations. In an earlier incident in 2025, he was reportedly arrested by the Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Iheke, over similar claims of posing as a state government revenue agent.

Meanwhile, the unfolding developments have reignited internal tensions within the Ariaria International Market executive. Sources within the market leadership have renewed calls for the immediate reinstatement of the substantive Chairman, Deacon Michael Ogbonnaya Aniorji, alleging that his suspension was a calculated setup orchestrated by the former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha.

Members of the executive have also questioned the legality and procedural integrity of the current leadership arrangement in the market. One executive member queried why, following the suspension of the chairman, the treasurer was appointed Acting Chairman, allegedly bypassing established hierarchy positions such as the Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Chief Security Officer (CSO).

The latest arrests, allegations, and declarations have further heightened calls for a comprehensive investigation into the administration of Ariaria International Market, as traders and stakeholders demand accountability, transparency, and a return to lawful leadership structures to restore order and confidence in one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs.