The Abia State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has sealed the Aba and Umuahia offices of Globacom Ltd, the company that operates Glo Mobile, for neglecting to pay more than ₦4 billion in taxes that were due to the state between 2010 and 2022.
The action follows a State High Court order in Umuahia, presided over by Hon. Justice Chido Nwakanma, in Suit No. HU/225M/2025 filed by BIRS against Globacom. The sealing order, dated January 14, 2026, mandates Globacom to pay ₦4,048,748,880, covering Right of Way Withholding Taxes and other outstanding levies, along with 10% annual interest from the date the taxes became due until full payment.
The Court also authorized distraint—the seizure of goods, chattels, and premises of Globacom in Abia State—and empowered the sale of such property after 14 days to recover unpaid taxes.
Deputy Director of Information at BIRS, Mrs. Emelle Akunna Loveth, stated that over 3,000 other corporate tax defaulters have had their offices sealed this year as part of ongoing enforcement. She described the action against Globacom as a lawful exercise carried out in strict compliance with the court order, emphasizing that the Abia State Government is committed to the rule of law and ensuring all corporate entities meet their statutory obligations.
Mrs. Loveth added that BIRS remains open to engagement with Globacom upon full compliance with the court directives. At the time of reporting, Globacom’s offices remained sealed, but the company has filed an appeal seeking the vacation of the sealing order.
