Benue govt seals Rep’s leisure park, microfinance bank over tax

The Benue State government has sealed City Bay Park for non-payment of tax.

The park is owned by a member of the House of Representatives for Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Asema Achado.

Achado confirmed the closure of the recreational park to journalists at a media briefing on Thursday in Makurdi.

The lawmaker said the leisure park was sealed by government officials on December 23.

He said the tax was N20,000, but the centre was also charged N219,000 for tax default.

He added that his microfinance bank, Benysta Microfinance Bank, was also sealed by the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).

Achado, however, the management of the company immediately paid the initial N20,000 and the N219,000, as well as the N20,000 unsealing fee to BIRS and obtained receipts.

He lamented that the facility was reopened after an hour only to be sealed back for unknown reasons.

He said: “On December 23, officials from BIRS and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, alongside law enforcement agents, forcibly entered and sealed the premises of City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank.

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“They presented demand notices dated December 12 and 13, 2024, regarding business premises registration fees.

“Despite City Bay Park’s status as a government property, which arguably exempts it from such fees, the management of the park swiftly paid N20,000 for registration and N219,000 as default charges to avoid conflict.

“These payments were made on the 23rd of December, 2024, and receipts of these payments were duly issued by BIRS, which copies are available for reference.

“Shockingly, after an additional N20,000 was demanded and paid to unseal City Bay Park, a more aggressive enforcement team arrived and resealed both premises.”

He said the second operation was marked by excessive force and harassment, including the use of tear gas, which caused distress among customers, including children and the elderly.

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