Court issues arrest warrant against Jay Jay Okocha over tax default

A bench warrant of arrest has been issued for a former Super Eagles star, Austin Okocha by the Lagos High Court for not appearing in court to answer questions on alleged failure to pay tax.

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice filed a three-count charge bordering on failure to provide return of income against the former international footballer.

After a charge had been issued on June 6, 2017 by the Lagos state Prosecutor, Dr Jide Martins, the case came up again after the defendant refused to appear in court on October 5, 2017.

This prompted the court to issue a bench warrant after several adjournments and the defendant’s refusal to appear in court.

Read also: Defense counsel forces court to adjourn Dokpesi’s N2.1bn fraud case

The bench warrant of arrest on the ex-super star was issued on January 29, 2019 by Justice Adebayo Akintoye before it was adjourned till February 19.

At the proceedings, Justice Akintoye further adjourned until April 15 for the execution of the bench warrant and further hearing after the prosecution told the court that the warrant had not been perfected on the defendant.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant had failed to pay his income taxes, or provide return of income for tax purpose to the Lagos State internal revenue services, stating that the offences breached Sections 56 (a) and (b) of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law No.8, 2006 and Section 94 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

By Todimu Ogunade…

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