The Aba and Umuahia offices of Globacom Ltd, operators of Glo Mobile, have been shut down by the Abia State Internal Revenue Service over alleged non-payment of taxes amounting to more than ₦4 billion.
The enforcement action followed an order issued by the Abia State High Court in a case brought by BIRS against the telecom company. Presiding judge, Chido Nwakanma, directed the company to settle ₦4,048,748,880, representing unpaid Right of Way Withholding Taxes and other outstanding obligations accrued between 2010 and 2022. The ruling also stipulates a 10 per cent annual interest charge from the time the liabilities became due until the full amount is cleared.
In addition, the court granted BIRS authority to enforce distraint measures, allowing officials to seize Globacom’s assets and premises within Abia State. The order further permits the sale of such property after 14 days if the debt remains unpaid.
According to BIRS Deputy Director of Information, Mrs. Emelle Akunna Loveth, the move is part of a broader clampdown on tax defaulters, noting that more than 3,000 companies have faced similar sanctions this year. She stressed that the agency’s actions were carried out strictly in line with the court’s directive and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring tax compliance.
Although the offices remain sealed, Globacom has reportedly appealed the decision, seeking to overturn the court order.
