Anambra: Sixty revenue touts jailed, 23 awaiting trial

Sixty persons described as notorious touts, causing discomfort in various parts of the commercial city of Onitsha, have been sentenced to jail, while 23 others were still awaiting trial.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Emmanuel Madubuko, who spoke with reporters while parading eight suspected touts at the state secretariat complex in Awka, said those charged to court were usually availed the opportunity of the services of lawyers who defended them.

Madubuko said the state government could no longer condone a situation whereby touts divert government revenue and drive away traders from other parts of the country and beyond who come to Onitsha for business transaction.

According to the commissioner, the touts were arrested at the Bridge Head, Okpoko junction, Owerri road and the vicinity of the Onitsha Main Market, where they were allegedly caught harassing traders and motorists and forcing them to pat with their money.