Abia govt shuts down Globacom offices

The Abia State Government has shut down the Umuahia and Aba offices of telecommunications company, Globacom Limited, over its alleged failure to remit more than ₦4 billion in taxes to the state.

The move was carried out by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service after securing an order from the High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division.

In a statement, the Deputy Director of Information at ABIRS, Mrs Emelle Akunna Loveth, said the action followed 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 withholding taxes and other statutory taxes for the period 2010 to 2022.

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

Additionally, the court granted a distraint order against Globacom’s goods, chattels, and premises within Abia State, authorizing 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. She emphasized that the Abia State Government is committed to the rule of law and ensuring that all corporate entities operating in the state meet their statutory tax obligations.

ABIRS added that it remains open to engagement with Globacom once the company fully complies with the court’s directives.

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