News Investigators/ The Benue State Government has sealed the Oracle Business Limited (OBL) and its subsidiaries for alleged tax evasion to the tune of N130m owed in the last five years.

The firms were said to be owned by immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom.

Acting Executive Chairman of Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Sunday Odagba, who spoke with journalists in Makurdi, said the exercise was to recover tax income from all corporate entities owing the state government.

Mr. Odagba said the government’s action is aimed at improving its revenue profile for the overall good and development of the State.

The company had alleged that the said tax liability was only a ploy by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to shut its operations because after reviewing the amount involved, the outstanding sum came to N38 million which the company paid in full.

Also, the firm said its business premises were closed down because of its ownership by the immediate past Governor of the State, Samuel Ortom.

But the state tax officials said Oracle Business Limited has not paid taxes in five years amounting to over N130m, and failed to meet them for reconciliation after many invitations.

The BIRS also sealed Jagshu Filling Station in the State Capital over alleged N2.1millon tax default and Ubgechi Filling Station also in default of alleged N2.1million.

Earlier, the tax authorities had an order of the Makurdi High Court empowering the Board to enforce the consequences of the default.