Alleged Tax Evasion: Osun state government seals off mining firm
The Osun state government has sealed off a mining firm, Segilola Resources Operating Limited located in Iperindo community of Atakumosa East Local Government Area of the state, until further notice following a court order
Penpushing reports that the shutdown of the company as carried out on Monday by court bailiffs in collaboration with armed security personnel, including members of the Police Joint Task Force and operatives of Amotekun Security Corps.
The development followed motion ex-parte dated September 27, 2024 which was filed by the Osun State Government through the Attorney-General of Osun State against Segilola Resources Operating Limited in suit number MOS/M.531/2024.
Penpushing further reports that the government had sought a court order to seal off all the business premises of Segilola Gold Firm for violation of Tax Audit on Payee, arguing that it is also withholding Taxes and Development Levy, from 2019 to 2023 until the due sum is fully liquidated into Osun State Government Account.
The management of the company consistently denied the allegations of tax evasion and obstruction, insisting that it has always acted as a law-abiding and transparent corporate entity by fulfilling all its tax obligations.
Penpushing also reports that the company in defence paid advertorial signed by its Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, and published in some newspapers recently, the company insisted that as a responsible firm, it had always fulfilled its legitimate obligations to the government and the host communities.
The magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara, however, in his judgement ordered the immediate shutdown of the company until further notice for violating Tax Audit on Payee, withholding Taxes and Development Levy from 2019 to 2023’
“The Attorney-General, Osun State is hereby permitted to seal up and lock up all the business premises of Segilola Resources Operating Limited in Osun State for violating Tax Audit on Payee, withholding Taxes and Development Levy from 2019 to 2023 until the due sum is fully liquidated into Osun State Government Account’, Ayilara declared
Penpushing reports that in similar vein, Osun State Government in a press statement pointed out that after a series of demands, meetings, consultations, and engagements, the company still remained adamant and remorseless in its tax evasion and other violations.
The statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, and made available to journalists said the government regretted that while some companies make billions of naira in the state, especially in the mining sector, they are not ready to give the state its lawful dues.
“After a series of demands, meetings, consultations, and engagements, the company still remained adamant and remorseless in its tax evasion and other violations. The state notes with regret that while some companies make billions of naira in the state, especially in the mining sector, they are not ready to give the state its lawful dues’, he wrote.
“While the issue of shareholding values due to the acquisition of Osun State interest in Tropical Mines is purely commercial, we will continue to hold the company responsible for all its actions’, the statement reads
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