Alleged Tax Evasion: Benue Govt Seals Ortom’s Firm
Denies allegations of political persecution
The Benue State Government has sealed Oracle Business Limited (OBL) and its subsidiaries for alleged tax evasion to the tune of N130m owed in the last five years.
Addressing journalists on the enforcement exercise in Makurdi, the State capital, Acting Executive Chairman of Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Sunday Odagba, said the exercise was to recover tax income from all corporate entities owing the state government.
Odagba, who denied the allegation of political persecution raised by the management of Oracles Business Limited, said the government was only working to improve its revenue profile for the overall good and development of the State.
The company had alleged that the said tax liability was only a ploy by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to shut its operations because after reviewing the amount involved, the outstanding sum came to N38 million which the company paid in full.
Also, the firm said its business premises were closed down because of its ownership by the immediate past Governor of the State, Samuel Ortom.
But the state tax officials explained how Oracle Business Limited has not paid taxes in five years amounting to over N130m, and failed to meet them for reconciliation after many invitations.
The BIRS also sealed in the Makurdi operation led by Odagba and Board Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr Ushahemba Dekaa were Jagshu Filling Station over alleged N2.1millon default and Ubgechi Filling Station also in default of alleged N2.1million.
The enforcement was a sequel to an order of a Makurdi High Court empowering the Board to enforce the consequences of the default.
Speaking after sealing the Oracle Business offices, the BIRS Legal Adviser said the company failed to meet its obligations for upward of six years and the Board had no option but to wield the big stick.
