From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
An Abuja Magistrate Court has ordered that the premises of Almat Farms Limited in Kuje be sealed up by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over acts bordering on tax evasion.
Specifically, the claimant (FCT-IRS) has accused Almat Farms Limited of non-filling of annual returns for 2018- 2023 income year, contrary to section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act , 2004.
When the case came up on Friday, counsel to the complainant, Fola Ogunsipe informed the court that the matter was slated for hearing, however, the defendants were not in court.
Ogunsipe told the Magistrate Court that the defendants were dully served with all the processes including the hearing date
Consequently, she prayed the court to grant an order to seal up the office premises of the defendant, located in Kuje-Chibiri, in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, in other to compel their appearance in court.
In her short ruling, Magistrate Oyepeju Mustapha Abiodun granted the request and ordered the office premises of the defendant sealed up till the adjourned date fixed for Friday, May 10, 2024.
Meanwhile, two other organizations, including Bokkis Enterprises Nigeria Limited, have been summoned to the appear before the court over alleged acts of tax evasion.