Workers of Adebutu’s Premier Lotto stop FIRS from sealing company over N789.6m alleged tax debt

THE head office of Premier Lotto Limited, a popular lottery firm owned by Chief Kessignton Adebutu, was a scene of drama yesterday, as workers of the company forcefully prevented officials of the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) from sealing the premises over alleged N789.6 million tax liabilities.

The FIRS team, led by Mrs. Anita Erinne, arrived at the office in Surulere, Lagos State, with a distraint warrant.

The company, popularly called “Baba Ijebu”, disputed the debt profile, as its officials allegedly engaged the FIRS team in a hot argument. A man allegedly identified as Adebutu’s son said: "We are not owing and you cannot close our company." As the drama continued, the lotto magnate, accompanied by security aides, was said to have arrived at the scene and told the FIRS team that he was not aware that his company was owing. The FIRS team leader disclosed the debt profile to him after which Adebutu allegedly gave the go ahead for the agency to exe- cute the warrant.

Erinne then ordered the workers to vacate the premises, but a man, who identified himself as the accountant, allegedly told the staff members to ignore her. As the FIRS officials were about to leave, Adebutu’s son allegedly proposed that the company would pay N10 million out of the debt, which Erinne rejected.

To avoid an escalation of the situation, the FIRS team left the premises. The team also shut the office of Costain West Africa at Ebute-metta over an alleged tax debt of N2 billion. Also, Niger Insurance Limited's office in Lagos, was sealed as it allegedly owes N526.8 million in taxes.

Equally affected was Goldlink Insurance Plc in Maryland, Ikeja, which allegedly has tax liabilities of N244 million. Its officials pleaded for more time to enable the company pay up, but the plea was rejected.

The team also sealed off Trancit Ventures Limited on CAPPA Avenue, Ilupeju.