Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested five suspected train ticket racketeers. The commission swung into action after receiving intelligence that some people at the Idu and Kubwa train stations had been racketeering train tickets, thereby sabotaging the government’s efforts at easing transportation across the country.
Racketeering makes it difficult for passengers to have access to tickets, as prices are hiked and the commodity hoarded. The suspects include Clement Zakka, Samson Udim, Adams Danladi, Otitomoni Omobolanle, and Hassan Dauda.
Investigations revealed that some employees of the station, in connivance with some touts, were defrauding unsuspecting travellers by hiking prices of tickets. Economy tickets of between ₦1,300 and ₦1,500 were sold at ₦2,000 to ₦5,000, while first class tickets of ₦2,500 were sold for between ₦7,000 and ₦15,000.
Three people, including an employee of the station, were arrested. The station manager, chief marketing officer, and chief parcel booking officer of the Kaduna Railway Station have also been invited for questioning.
Photo credit: VON