FIRS seals NICON, hotel, over N6.2bn tax evasion

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), yesterday, sealed off the head offices of Nicon Insurance Plc and Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja as well as other businesses owned by Jimoh Ibrahim over tax liability in excess of N6.2 billion.
The FIRS enforcement team stormed NICON Insurance plaza located at the Central Business District, Abuja and Nicon Luxury Apartment at about 12 noon.
When the team visited NICON Insurance plaza, the workers were asked to leave the premises before the gate was shut.
However, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, where members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were said to be having a meeting, the arrival of the FIRS team caused a stir and partial disruption of their. Members of the party were, however, given till 3:00pm to conclude their meeting before it was equally sealed off.
It was gathered that the staff were asked by the management to go home before the official closing time of 5:00pm.
“My brother, we are suffering here. No salary has been paid since the beginning of this year and the management is carrying on as if nothing is happening. The FIRS guys showed up this afternoon and after a brief meeting with the management, we were asked to go home before closing time,” a member of staff said.
Reacting to the issue, FIRS spokesperson, Wahab Gbadamosi said the shutdown was part of the nationwide enforcement by FIRS for tax compliance.
But, NICON Insurance Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Kunle Adewale told Daily Sun he was on transit to Lagos when he was contacted for his reaction. “I cannot talk to you right now. My flight is almost taking off otherwise I will miss it. But I will call you back when I touch down,” he said.