Sachet gin: Edo warns traders against extortion

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee has warned traders dealing in banned sachet gin against fraudsters allegedly exploiting the ongoing transition period to extort money from them.

The committee said it had received reports of individuals moving around the state, collecting money from sellers while falsely presenting themselves as officials authorised to enforce the ban.

In a public alert signed by the committee’s chairman, Iyamu Osaro Culture, and its coordinators for Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central, the committee described the activities as an attempt by unscrupulous elements to exploit the two-week extension granted to the Association of Beverages Dealers.

The extension, according to the committee, runs until September 20, 2026, to enable affected dealers to adjust to the ban.

It stressed that enforcement of the ban has not commenced, warning sellers not to pay money to anyone claiming to be carrying out enforcement activities during the extension period.

The committee urged members of the public to be vigilant and report anyone parading themselves as its officials and demanding payment from sachet gin sellers.

It also called for suspected impostors seeking to exploit the transition period for personal gain to be apprehended and reported to the appropriate authorities.

The committee provided 08072370252 as its official contact for complaints and reports of alleged extortion or impersonation.
The alert was also signed by Osaghae Sweet Oghogho, Edo South Coordinator; Eshesimua Sunday Charles, Edo North Coordinator; and Audu Solomon, Edo Central Coordinator.

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