Earlier in June 2024, a group loyal to the former governor, known as ‘Defenders of Ortom,’ had raised concerns about alleged plans by the current administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to cripple the businesses of his predecessor.
Makurdi, Nigeria – The Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) on Friday sealed the premises of Oracle Business, owned by the former governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, over an alleged N93.5 million tax default.
The operation, led by BIRS Acting Chairman, Sunday Odagba, and Board Secretary/Legal Adviser, Ushahemba Dekaa, also targeted other businesses. Jagshu Filling Station and Ubgechi Filling Station were sealed for alleged tax defaults of N2.1 million each.
Earlier in June 2024, a group loyal to the former governor, known as ‘Defenders of Ortom,’ had raised concerns about alleged plans by the current administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to cripple the businesses of his predecessor.
In a statement issued in Makurdi, the group’s president, Amos Uchiv, claimed the government planned to shut down all companies under Oracle Business Limited using what he termed “spurious allegations.”
In response, Solomon Iorpev, media aide to Governor Alia, stated that the administration would not hesitate to investigate any misappropriation of state funds that might have been diverted to private ventures.
On Friday, the BIRS enforced the closure of Oracle Business, despite ongoing disputes regarding the tax liabilities. According to Chris Omiyi, Managing Director of Oracle Business, the company had initially received a tax evaluation notice totalling N138 million. After consulting with their tax advisor, the liability was reduced to N38 million.
Omiyi, however, noted that there was still an unresolved dispute over N15 million. “We agreed to pay the N38 million for the sake of peace, but the dispute over the remaining N15 million was supposed to be settled in their office. When we arrived for the meeting, the officers handling the case were unavailable,” Omiyi explained.
Despite these claims, BIRS Chairman Odagba dismissed the company’s explanation, stating that Oracle Business had failed to meet its tax obligations. “We served them demand notices, they did not object, and they did not pay,” he said.
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