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ABUJA – A legal practitioner, Bala Dakum, has petitioned Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, seeking an investigation into the sealing of his client’s hospitality business, Delavender Apartments and Suites, located at No. 42 Shinco Road, Jos.

In the letter dated November 11 and acknowledged on Nov. 12, Dakum alleged that his client, Mr. Solomon Obodeh, has suffered nearly two years of persecution allegedly orchestrated by the Chairman of Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Mr. Jim Pam Wayas.

He claimed that despite submitting all required documents and paying necessary fees to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) to regularise the property’s documentation, it was sealed off without due process.

He also described as “spurious” the alleged claim that the sealing order came directly from the governor.

Dakum said earlier petitions filed through the law firm of Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, had not received any response. He further accused Wayas of interfering with police investigations into alleged illegal activities of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), prompting the Inspector General of Police to initiate a probe.

He noted that the sealing coincided with the interrogation of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) Director General, Mr. Samuel Dapia, by the IGP Special Investigation Unit in Abuja, over alleged obstruction of lawful arrest tied to the case.

Dakum warned that if no action is taken, his client would petition the National Security Adviser to investigate alleged phone exchanges among PSIRS, PEPSA, and JMDB officials.

In 2024, Obodeh had petitioned the IGP and ICPC over alleged harassment and extortion linked to the enforcement of Single Haulage Fees and Road Tax Stickers by JTB officials.

Responding, PEPSA DG, Mr. Dapia, denied involvement, saying his agency has no role in property matters.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Gyang Bere, said he had not seen the petitions and requested copies.

General Manager of JMDB, Mr. Hart Bankat, denied allegations of persecution, insisting the property was built and operated without approval.

“He built without approval, was served notices in 2024, and started operating illegally. If he has approval, he should present it,” Bankat said.

He dismissed claims that PSIRS influenced the sealing, adding that revenue collection and urban development are separate institutions.

Bankat urged Obodeh to visit JMDB with his documents to regularise the property rather than seeking media attention.