Abia Government shuts Globacom offices over N4bn tax liabilities

*A High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division, also grants a distraint order against goods, chattels, and premises belonging to Globacom Limited within Abia, authorising Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service to enforce recovery and, if necessary, sell ‘distrained properties’ after 14 days to recover the tax liabilities

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Abia State Government has sealed off the offices of Globacom Limited in Umuaiha, the state capital, and Aba, over the telecommunications giant’s alleged failure to remit over ₦4 billion in taxes to the South-East state.

The Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS) enforced the sealing action, following a valid order from the High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division.

NAFDAC and rumblings over enforcement of ban on sachet alcohol drinks

Mrs. Emelle Akunna Loveth, Deputy Director of Information at ABIRS, who disclosed this development in a statement, said the enforcement was sequel to Court Suit No. HU/225M/2025, between the Abia State Internal Revenue Service and Globacom Limited.

According to the court order dated January 14, 2026, Globacom was directed to pay ₦4,048,748,880—covering unremitted Right of Way (RoW) Withholding Tax (WHT) and other statutory taxes for the period between 2010 and 2022.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Lauds Bank Of Industry For N636bn Disbursements To Businesses, Boosting Economy

Taxation: Adedeji Highlights Critical Role Of Tech In Successful New Tax Regime In Nigeria

INEC, National Peace Committee Partner For Election Security Ahead Of FCT Council Polls

The court also ordered the telecoms firm to pay interest at 10 percent per annum on the outstanding amount from the date the taxes became due until full payment.

The court further granted a distraint order against Globacom’s goods, chattels, and premises within Abia State, authorising ABIRS to enforce recovery and, if necessary, sell distrained properties after 14 days to recover the liabilities, in line with the Abia State Tax (Codification and Consolidation) Law, 2020.

Mrs. Loveth explained that the sealing of the offices was a lawful measure strictly in compliance with the court order.

The ABIRS Deputy Director of Information as well emphasised that the Abia State Government is committed to the rule of law, and ensuring that all corporate entities operating in the state, including Globacom and others, meet their statutory tax obligations.

The Abia State Government assured the Telco that it remains open to engagement with Globacom, once the indigenous telecoms company fully complies with the court’s orders.

Kindly Share This Story