Delta police arrest attackers of FIRS officials

(Nigeria) Men of the Delta State Police Command have arrested the Managing Director of an oil servicing company and some police officers, who allegedly assaulted staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, on official duty in Warri, Delta State.

The arrest of the perpetrators of the attack on FIRS officials was sequel to a complaint and appeal by the FIRS State Coordinator for Edo, Delta and Rivers, Chief Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.

He had lodged a complaint at the Police Headquarters Asaba, prompting the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Alkali to help fish out those behind the dastardly act.

Armed with enough proof, the police apprehended Eric Jemijereye, Managing Director, Jemtech Global Engineering Company Limited, the company Secretary and some security men attached to the company.

Reacting to the arrest, the FIRS State Coordinator, Joel-Onowakpo, commended the police for their prompt response which led to the arrest of those who aborted the tax monitoring work of the staff of the Service.

He commended the effort of the state Police boss for showing good example by not shielding those involved, particularly when his men were fingered to have been involved in the alleged assault.

He said that the act of molestation meted out on FIRS staff could be likened to destruction of government property which the law frowns against in its entirety.

Calling on the general public to accord tax officials both at the state and federal level the respect they deserve, he warned that anyone caught harassing or attacking any officer on duty would be made to face corresponding punishment.

He warned that FIRS under the watch of its Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Fowler would not tolerate any act of lawlessness in the process of tax collection.

The state Police boss has decried the assault, saying it was an act carried out by the company on FIRS especially when they came with a flier and introduced themselves.

He said that the Federal Government was taking Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, serious and vowed that his command will do everything possible to protect tax officials as they go about their lawful duty.

He gave the management of Jemtec two weeks to resolve the matter with FIRS or alternatively commence court action on the matter while he ordered disciplinary action on policemen involved.