Lagos State Launches Prosecution of 45 Alleged Tax Defaulters
The Lagos State Government has officially initiated legal proceedings against 45 individuals and companies accused of significant tax defaults, with liabilities running into billions of naira. This move underscores the state's commitment to enforcing tax compliance and recovering outstanding revenues.
Legal Action Announced by Attorney-General
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this development in a statement released on Monday. He confirmed that the defendants were recently arraigned before the Lagos Revenue Court to facilitate the recovery of assessed tax liabilities.
List of Defendants and Their Liabilities
The prosecution targets a mix of individuals and corporate entities, including:
- Chidi Ajaere Emmanuel: N35.4 million
- Ifeanyi Uzoaru: N13.5 million
- Mrs. Olufunmilola Abe: N30.7 million
- IENG Nigeria Ltd.: N67.1 million
- James Fisher Nig. Ltd.: N27.1 million
- V Care Diagnostics Ltd.: N14.2 million
- Venture Garden Nig. Ltd.: N72.3 million
- Doheney Service: N14.3 million
- Native Media Ltd.: N24.1 million and N3.5 million
- Saro Africa Int. Ltd.: N24.5 million
- Sheriff Deputies Ltd.: N132.2 million
- Unique V. Capital Management Ltd.: N12.3 million
- Alkones Petroleum & Gas Ltd.: N17.7 million
- Century Power Generation Ltd.: N18.1 million
- GMT Energy Resources Ltd.: N145.9 million
- Leaders & Company Ltd.: N67.1 million
- Bi-Courtney Aviation Services: N38.7 million
- Heyden Petroleum Ltd.: N33.2 million
- Barry Callebaut Nig. Ltd.: N33.5 million
- Quick Mix Ltd.: N19 million
- AA Rescue: N27.8 million
- Funds & Electronics Transfer: N97.8 million
- Raybond Technical Ltd.: N61.8 million
- Centre for Management Development: N48.2 million
- S.O. and U Ltd.: N38 million
- Union Diagnostics: N23.6 million
- Eyowo Integrated Payment: N16.2 million
- Dee-Jones Petroleum & Gas: N55.9 million
- Compact Manifold & Engineering Services: N25 million
Compliance and Consequences
Pedro noted that several defaulters who were previously served with pre-action notices have since settled their dues and will no longer face prosecution. He emphasized the importance of taxpayer compliance with state tax laws, particularly regarding the filing of annual returns and payment of assessed liabilities.
"Failure to comply attracts penalties, interest, and possible prosecution with attendant consequences," he warned, urging all taxpayers to adhere to regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
