By ADENIKE AYODELE

The Lagos State Government says it has begun prosecuting 45 individuals and companies over alleged tax defaults running into billions of naira.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.

Pedro said the defendants were recently arraigned before the Lagos Revenue Court for recovery of outstanding tax liabilities assessed by the states.

He listed some defendants and liabilities: Chidi Ajaere Emmanuel, N35.4 million; Ifeanyi Uzoaru, N13.5 million; Mrs Olufunmilola Abe, N30.7 million; IENG Nigeria Ltd., N67.1 million.

Others include 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. faces N24.1 million and N3.5 million; Saro Africa Int. Ltd., N24.5 million; Sheriff Deputies Ltd., N132.2 million, among others.

Also listed are 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. owes 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. owes 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 owes N16.2 million; Dee-Jones Petroleum & Gas, N55.9 million; Compact Manifold & Engineering Services, N25 million.

Pedro said several defaulters earlier served pre-action notices had since paid and would no longer face prosecution.

He urged taxpayers to comply with tax laws, especially filing annual returns and paying assessed liabilities.

“Failure to comply attracts penalties, interest and possible prosecution with attendant consequences,” he said. (NAN)

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