The Nigerian Government has filed a six-count criminal charge against Nigerdock Nigeria Limited and seven of its directors over alleged tax evasion.
The charges, dated November 26, were brought before the High Court in Lagos.
The directors named alongside Nigerdock Nigeria Limited include Maher Jarmakani, Adewale Akanbi, Michael Akhigbe, Daniel Ayscough, Patrick Van Uden, Adebola Adesoye, and Rutger Ten Thij.
Represented by counsel Moses Ideho, the Federal Government alleged that the company and its directors committed the offences between 2015 and 2018.
The allegations include the failure to pay Companies Income Tax, Tertiary Education Tax, and Withholding Tax totalling ₦68,695,302.53, comprising tax liabilities, accrued interest, and penalties.
The offences are said to contravene sections 40, 26, and 27 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act 2007 (as amended), as well as Section 82 of the Companies Income Tax Act and Section 11 of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment) Act 2011. These laws prescribe penalties for non-compliance, including financial sanctions.
No date has yet been set for the arraignment of the defendants.
The charges against the defendants allege multiple failures:
- To pay tax liabilities amounting to ₦21,273,700, accrued interest of ₦45,294,232.53, and penalties of ₦2,127,370 for the 2015-2018 assessment years.
- To file correct and complete Companies Income Tax returns for the same period.
- To remit deducted taxes, including Tertiary Education Tax and Withholding Tax, to the Federal Government.
- To comply with withholding tax regulations and other statutory tax requirements.
The Nigerian Government claims these actions amount to deliberate and wilful evasion of tax obligations. The charges carry significant penalties under the relevant tax laws.
