In a significant turn of events, the Rights and Freedom Advocates (RIFA) achieved a major victory against the illegal imposition of daily tickets on transporters by the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS).
After persistent efforts and legal battles, RIFA successfully compelled OGIRS to release 12 bikes belonging to its members that had been robbed by OGIRS agents between 2018 and May 2023.
The release of these bikes comes as a blow to the controversial practice of diverting tax funds through untraceable daily ticket sales, which had been established by the agency’s leadership and collaborators.
However, as the bikes were returned, a shocking discovery was made – OGIRS had mutilated, replaced, or even sold several parts of the bikes, leaving them in deplorable conditions.
One of the bikes, originally seized in 2018, had been so extensively modified that it was virtually unrecognizable.
This revelation further exposed the agency’s involvement in dubious activities, raising questions about its integrity and practices.
RIFA has vowed to continue pursuing justice and accountability for the actions of OGIRS, emphasizing that those responsible must face the consequences.
The organization’s determination has already yielded positive results in the past, as evidenced by a case in 2018 when RIFA forced a police station to replace a stolen bike with a new one.
The group remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that taxpayers’ rights are respected.
Notably, RIFA’s efforts align with existing legal provisions, such as the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, which strictly regulates the collection of taxes and levies by authorized entities.
The court’s previous judgments have affirmed that individuals should only pay taxes directly to legitimate tax authorities, without the interference of unauthorized parties.
As RIFA’s President, Luqman Soliu, asserted, “Our struggle for justice and accountability continues, and we are resolute in our pursuit of a transparent and fair system.
We appreciate the support of various stakeholders, including government officials, law enforcement agencies, and legal experts, who have contributed to this significant victory.”
While celebrating this milestone, RIFA remains vigilant, warning those involved in fraudulent activities that they will be held accountable.
The return of the robbed bikes marks a triumph for RIFA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the people against unjust practices.
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