By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Government has sealed off the business premises of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, a federal government-owned gold mining company operating in the state.

This follows a court order permitting the state to distrain the company for various flagrant tax violations, including failure to fully disclose employees directly and indirectly involved in its business activities, obstructing tax processes by failing to provide timely tax information and documents.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information in the state, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, made available to newsmen in Osogbo, said Segilola Resources flagrantly violated tax laws.

The company failed to remit accumulated taxes to the state government’s account.

“Segilola Resources Operating Limited is one of the major companies carrying out mining activities and mineral exploration in the state, as a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Limited, listed on the London and Toronto Stock Exchanges.

“After a series of demands, meetings, consultations, and engagements, the company has remained adamant and remorseless in its tax evasion and other violations. The Attorney-General of Osun State approached the court and consequently obtained an order to seal off the company until the due sum, calculated from 2019 to 2023, is fully remitted into the Osun State Government’s account.

“The state notes with regret that while some companies generate billions of naira in the state, particularly in the mining sector, they are unwilling to pay the state its lawful dues.

“While the issue of shareholding values due to the acquisition of Osun State’s interest in Tropical Mines is purely commercial, we will continue to hold the company accountable for all its actions.”