The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has taken action against six branches of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), sealing them off amidst allegations of evading approximately N14 million in taxes.
Reports from Apples Bite Magazine affirm that the operation was executed following repeated non-compliance by the bank’s management, despite receiving numerous notices from the revenue service.
Led by Barrister Aysha Muhammad, the Board Secretary and Legal Adviser of KADIRS, the team, accompanied by security agencies, carried out the sealing of the branches.
Explaining the legal basis for the action, Barrister Aysha Muhammad cited Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act, emphasizing that KADIRS is empowered by the court to recover the sum of N14,367,322.20k, representing tax arrears from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, a distress cost of N250,000 is owed by the bank.
Despite these developments, the UBA management in Kaduna has remained silent, declining to comment on the seal off when approached by correspondents.
This proactive stance by KADIRS underscores the importance of tax compliance for businesses operating within the state, sending a clear message that tax evasion will not be tolerated.
She said KADIRS “In exercise of the powers vested in it by Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act, is authorised by the court to collect and recover the sum of N14,367,322.20k, being arrears of tax due from 2019 to 2021 from the above named agent/organization whose place of business is in Kaduna.”
She added that a distress cost of N250,000 is also owed by the bank.
The bank has yet to react to the seal off and its management in Kaduna declined comment when contacted by our correspondent.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
