- …as acting market chairman, Hyacinth Nnabude goes into hiding
The Abia State Government has arrested a suspected fake revenue agent and alleged chief task force impersonator, Mr. Benedict Elias, popularly known as “Star,” over reported attacks on official government revenue agents and the illegal disruption of revenue collection activities at Ariaria International Market, Aba.
The arrest, which took place on Wednesday evening, January 6, 2026, was carried out in collaboration with security operatives following complaints from state government revenue agents operating within the market. The agents alleged that Mr. Elias had been actively impersonating a government task force official, intimidating revenue collectors, and forcefully halting their lawful operations.
Investigations by revenue officials revealed that monies meant for the Abia State Government were allegedly seized during these disruptions and diverted to the Acting Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Mr. Hyacinth Ositadinma Nnabude. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, a day before the arrest of Mr. Elias.
According to the revenue agents, Mr. Nnabude allegedly vowed to frustrate their activities in the market after demanding a settlement of over ₦17 million from more than 70 zones within Ariaria International Market. The agents disclosed that they firmly rejected the demand, insisting that all revenues collected in the market belong to the Abia State Government and not to any individual or personal arrangement. They noted that following this refusal, their operations came under increased hostility and obstruction.
As of the time of filing this report, Mr. Nnabude is said to have fled Aba and has been declared wanted by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue (ABIR), as efforts intensify to recover diverted funds and dismantle the alleged illegal revenue network operating within the market.
This development is not the first time Mr. Elias has been linked to impersonation. In an earlier incident in 2025, the Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Iheke, reportedly arrested him over similar allegations of posing as a state government revenue agent.
Meanwhile, the unfolding crisis has reignited internal tensions within the Ariaria International Market executive. Sources within the market leadership have renewed calls for the immediate reinstatement of the substantive Chairman, Deacon Michael Ogbonnaya Aniorji. They alleged that his suspension was a calculated setup orchestrated by the former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha.
Members of the executive also questioned the legality and procedural integrity of the current leadership arrangement in the market. One executive member wondered why, following the suspension of the chairman, the treasurer was appointed Acting Chairman, bypassing established hierarchy positions such as the Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Chief Security Officer (CSO).
The latest arrests, allegations, and declarations have further heightened calls for a comprehensive investigation into the administration of Ariaria International Market, as traders and stakeholders demand accountability, transparency, and a return to lawful leadership structures to restore order and confidence in one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs.
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