Aba and Umuahia branches of Globacom Ltd, operators of Glo Mobile, have been shut by the Abia State Internal Revenue Service over alleged failure to remit taxes due to the state between 2010 and 2022, amounting to more than ₦4 billion.
The enforcement followed an order of the Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia, presided over by Hon. Justice Chido Nwakanma, in Suit No. HU/225M/2025 instituted by BIRS against Globacom. The sealing directive, dated January 14, 2026, compels Globacom to settle ₦4,048,748,880, representing Right of Way Withholding Taxes and other outstanding charges, in addition to 10 per cent yearly interest from when the liabilities accrued until final payment.
The court further granted approval for distraint — the confiscation of goods, movable assets, and premises belonging to Globacom within Abia State — and authorised the disposal of such assets after 14 days to offset the outstanding tax obligations.
Deputy Director of Information at BIRS, Mrs. Emelle Akunna Loveth, disclosed that more than 3,000 other corporate tax defaulters have also had their offices sealed this year as part of intensified enforcement measures. She described the action against Globacom as a legitimate step executed strictly in line with the court’s directive, stressing that the Abia State Government remains dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all corporate bodies fulfill their statutory responsibilities.
Mrs. Loveth further stated that BIRS is willing to engage with Globacom once full compliance with the court’s orders is achieved. As of the time of filing this report, the company’s offices were still under seal, although Globacom has lodged an appeal seeking to set aside the sealing order.
