Fresh Discovery: Fake C of O, Allocation Papers Recovered from Illegal Revenue Syndicate Arrested at Okigwe Road

Owerri – Thursday, July 31, 2025

In a follow-up to the recent arrest of a notorious syndicate of illegal revenue collectors along Okigwe Road, new and disturbing discoveries have emerged during ongoing investigations.

The Imo State Inland Revenue Service (IIRS) in collaboration with the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, has confirmed the recovery of several forged documents from the apprehended individuals, including:

Fake non-filled documents in hundreds ;

Fake unused Certificates of Occupancy (C of O)

Fake Land Allocation Papers

Fraudulent Housing Allocation Documents

These falsified documents were reportedly used by the syndicate to conduct fake land allocations, defraud unsuspecting citizens, and impersonate government authorities for personal gain.

According to officials close to the investigation, this latest discovery reveals that the syndicate was not only engaged in illegal revenue collection, but also deeply involved in a wider network of document forgery and land-related fraud.

The items recovered confirm that the group had established a sophisticated operation targeting landowners, civil servants, and small business operators across the state. Investigators are now tracing the syndicate’s previous activities and potential accomplices.

Authorities have assured the public that the culprits already in custody will face the full weight of the law, and additional arrests may follow as the investigation expands.

This fresh breakthrough further strengthens the Uzodimma-led administration’s resolve to clean up the state’s revenue system and protect the rights and resources of law-abiding Imo citizens.

The government urges residents to remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious revenue or land-related dealings to the appropriate authorities.

The fight against fraud and illegal revenue collection is far from over.