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FIRS Arrests FCDA Boss Over N28.2bn Unremitted Taxes

By on December 22, 2011

The Federal Inland Revenue Service yesterday arrested the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Adamu Ismaila over N28.2billion unremitted taxes.

Adamu was picked up in his office at about 12:03pm by an enforcement team from the FIRS.

The team comprising detectives from the intelligence department was led by the FIRS director in charge of Large Tax Department, Mr. Ajayi Bamidele.

Bamidele noted that the arrest was a warning to other government ministries, departments and agencies to remit their tax obligation.

The ES is currently being detained at the Services’ Intelligence and Enforcement Department in Abuja.

The amount was made up of taxes collected by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory on behalf of the FIRS since 2006 till date which had not been remitted to the federation account.

Also arrested and detained was another senior official of the FCDA whose identity as at the time of sending this report could not be ascertained.

However, the Director, Abuja Geographic Information System, Isa Jalo, could not be arrested as he took off when the enforcement team arrived.

The enforcement team were also prevented from entering the main office of the director.

Their arrest came just about one month when the enforcement team arrested the chief executives of 31 hotels in Abuja for similar offence.

These moves were part of efforts aimed at recovering the N170billion outstanding taxes by government and private organisations.

Sequel to the establishment of the committee charged with the recovery of outstanding tax liabilities of FCTA and its agencies,it was learnt that series of meetings were held and a number of decisions were taken.

During the meeting, our correspondent gathered that the committee reviewed actions taken so far on the issues raised in their report and resolved to give the FCDA ample opportunity to respond to a letter asking it to remit the said amount.

Similarly, another letter was issued which gave the agency seven days within which to remit the outstanding tax liabilities of N28.27bn or provide evidence of remittance within one week from the date of receipt of the letter.

The ultimatum which expired Last Thursday December 15, 2011 and was not responded to.

The move according to the FIRS contravened the provisions of Section 26 and 27 of its establishment act leaving the service with no option than to invoke the provisions of sections 29, 30 and 33 of the same act.

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