Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) in the early hours of Friday sealed off commercial banks, hotels and schools for alleged tax evasion.

The revenue agency took the action pursuant to a court order obtained from the High Court of Enugu State.

Several branches of Ecobank and Access Bank were closed in the course of the operation.

Other businesses affected were Utopia Hotels, Gates Hotel, Best Western Hotel, Residency Hotel and Studio 24.

Briefing journalists after the exercise, Chairman of ESIRS, Emeka Odo, said the service began the year-end enforcement on recalcitrant tax defaulters in Enugu State.

Odo explained that the exercise involves the arraignment of a number of commercial establishments, banks, and some private institutions that have refused to remit to Enugu State Government, taxes they deducted.

“We have also appointed receiver managers over some commercial properties whose owners have refused to pay Land Use Charge to Enugu State Government, despite repeated reminders.

“This exercise, which started today with about 37 entities is being carried out, pursuant to exparte orders obtained from High Court of Enugu State. It is expected that over 3000 properties will be affected by the work of the receiver managers,” he said.

Odo announced that debt of over N2.5 billion would be recovered in the course of the exercise. (Independent)