Benue State authorities have shut down a microfinance bank and a leisure park owned by a member of the House of Representatives, Asema Achado, due to unpaid registration fees.
On December 23, officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, along with law enforcement, sealed off City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank in Makurdi.
Despite an initial payment of N20,000 for registration and an additional N219,000 for default fees, the authorities demanded another N20,000 before unsealing the premises.
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After this was paid, a new enforcement team arrived, resealing both businesses and reportedly using excessive force, including tear gas, which caused distress among visitors.
Achado criticized the actions, claiming the businesses were sealed without court authorization, and pointed out the undue harassment, especially towards vulnerable customers.
The BIRS stated that its role was limited to collecting revenue, and that the ministry had overseen the enforcement.
