The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, has denied sealing off the restaurant of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Layla Ali-Othman.
Recall that Ms Ali-Othman had on Thursday shared a video of her on her social media handles, lamenting the sudden and illegal closure of her eatery by the AMAC revenue department in Gwarimpa area.
But the Special Adviser to AMAC Chairman on ICT, Civil Society Oganisations and donor agencies, Abiodun Essiet, said that the action was not carried out by AMAC officials.
Speaking with New Agency of Nigeria, Mrs Essiet said: “We have investigated the matter and found that it was the Department of Public Health from FCTA that went to her restaurant. It was not AMAC officials.
“It is good for business owners to know that not all dues are collected by AMAC,” she added
She, therefore, advised residents of the federal capital to be alert so as not to fall victim of persons parading as fake revenue officers.
“It is necessary for business owners in AMAC to verify the authenticity of persons asking them to pay one due or the other.
“Anyone posing as a revenue officer must produce an identify card. People should also insist on taking the picture of the officer and send a message to us using our various social media platforms.
“Immediately we get such messages, we will respond.
“They can also come to the council’s secretariat to get clarification on issues regarding tax payment,” she said.
