The Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has taken decisive action against Oracle Business Limited, a company reportedly owned by former Governor Samuel Ortom, by sealing its premises.
The measure follows an alleged tax default amounting to N93.5 million.
In a coordinated operation in Makurdi led by BIRS Acting Chairman, Mr. Sunday Odagba, and Board Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Ushahemba Dekaa, two filling stations—Jagshu Filling Station and Ubgechi Filling Station—were also shut down at the weekend. The businesses were found to be in alleged default of N2.1 million each.
This enforcement action comes after a Makurdi High Court granted BIRS the authority to act on the tax defaults.
Mr. Dekaa explained that Oracle Business had neglected its tax obligations for over six years despite repeated attempts by the Board to resolve the issue amicably.
“We have monitored the company’s tax situation for an extended period,” Mr. Dekaa stated. “Despite numerous meetings and attempts to encourage compliance, they continued to evade their responsibilities. The decision to enforce the Court Order was necessary due to their persistent non-payment.”
Mr. Dekaa emphasized that the total tax liability for Oracle Business stands at approximately N100 million.
“We have made every effort to ensure they paid their taxes, including personal intervention by our Acting Executive Chairman. Unfortunately, without compliance, we had no choice but to take legal action, ” he said.
On the other hand, Chris Omiyi, Group Managing Director of Oracle Business, contested the claim, stating that the company had been evaluated for N138 million but had successfully reduced this amount to N38 million through their tax consultant.
He argued that while they were prepared to settle the N38 million, a disputed N15 million remained unresolved due to administrative issues at BIRS.
In response, Mr. Odagba reiterated that the decision to seal the companies was purely based on their failure to meet tax obligations.
“We issued demand notices and received no objections or payments,” he said. “The law requires prompt payment or a formal objection within 30 days. Their disregard led to these enforcement actions.”
Mr. Odagba also assured the public that the operation was devoid of political motives. “Our actions are strictly about tax compliance,” he affirmed. “We are extending our enforcement to other areas, including Gboko and Otukpo. We urge all tax defaulters to settle their liabilities immediately.”
