A multi-million naira revenue fraud syndicate operating under the guise of legitimate taxation has been uncovered, with fresh evidence pointing to a long-standing network of deception allegedly led by Engr. Emmanuel Osigbemeh, National Chairman of the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN).
Investigations revealed that for over seven years, truck drivers and haulage operators have been forced to pay illegal levies, with receipts falsely stamped “In partnership with the Federal Government.”
The scheme, which reportedly rakes in millions of naira daily, has continued despite multiple petitions to authorities, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Documents seen by our reporters indicate that HDHTAN’s leadership attempted to secure presidential approval for their revenue-collection operations but were denied authorization. 
However, instead of halting their activities, they allegedly manipulated internal government communications to create the illusion of legitimacy.
A memo from the SGF’s office, originally sent to the police for comments, was allegedly leaked and later misrepresented as a government directive.
Armed with this fraudulent backing, HDHTAN operatives reportedly enforced levies across multiple states, with police officers unknowingly—or in some cases, willingly—providing cover for their operations.
Anti-corruption advocate Abayomi Makinde, who has been tracking the syndicate, raised concerns about possible collusion within the police and other security agencies. According to Makinde, HDHTAN officials worked with certain officers to alter official signals, changing the classification of their activities from “investigation” to “government collaboration.”
“While realizing the negative impact of the SGF’s response, they conspired with top security officials to modify internal communications and give their fraudulent operations a new face,” Makinde revealed.
Several truck drivers who spoke to our reporters described the extortion as a daily nightmare.
“We are forced to pay N10,000 every day just to keep moving. They tell us it’s a government fee, and if you refuse, they seize your vehicle,” said a driver who operates between Edo and Delta states.
Another transporter, who preferred anonymity, added, “This is not taxation, it’s outright theft. Everyone knows it, but nobody dares to challenge them because the police are involved.”
With mounting evidence and increased pressure from anti-corruption groups, the Tinubu administration faces a crucial test. Will the government crack down on the syndicate and recover lost revenues, or will these fraudulent practices continue unchecked?
Makinde has called on President Tinubu to issue a direct order to security agencies to dismantle the fraudulent network and prosecute those involved.
“Nigerians cannot afford to watch billions siphoned away while the country struggles with revenue shortages. This is not just fraud—it’s economic sabotage,” he declared.
As the scandal unfolds, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. Will this be another case of impunity, or will Nigeria finally see justice?
