Lagos begins prosecution of 45 alleged tax defaulters

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By Boluwatife Oshadiya | April 7, 2026

Key Points

• Lagos State has arraigned 45 individuals and companies over alleged tax debts worth billions
• Defaulters include firms across energy, finance, aviation, and healthcare sectors
• Government warns of penalties, interest, and prosecution for non-compliance

Main Story

The Lagos State Government has initiated legal proceedings against 45 individuals and corporate entities over alleged tax defaults running into billions of naira, escalating enforcement of its revenue compliance drive.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), confirmed in a statement on Monday that the defendants were arraigned before the Lagos Revenue Court for recovery of outstanding tax liabilities assessed by the state.

Among those listed are Chidi Ajaere Emmanuel (₦35.4 million), Ifeanyi Uzoaru (₦13.5 million), and Mrs. Olufunmilola Abe (₦30.7 million). Corporate entities include IENG Nigeria Ltd. (₦67.1 million), Venture Garden Nigeria Ltd. (₦72.3 million), and Sheriff Deputies Ltd. (₦132.2 million).

Other notable firms facing prosecution include GMT Energy Resources Ltd. (₦145.9 million), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services (₦38.7 million), and Funds & Electronics Transfer (₦97.8 million), alongside multiple companies in oil and gas, diagnostics, and engineering services.

Pedro noted that several entities initially served pre-action notices had complied with payment obligations and would no longer face prosecution.

“Failure to comply attracts penalties, interest and possible prosecution with attendant consequences,” Pedro said, urging taxpayers to file annual returns and settle assessed liabilities promptly.

What’s Being Said

“We have strengthened enforcement to ensure full compliance with Lagos tax laws,” Lawal Pedro, Attorney-General, Lagos State

“Tax compliance remains critical for funding infrastructure and public services,” Lagos State Ministry of Finance

What’s Next

• Ongoing prosecutions are expected to continue at the Lagos Revenue Court in the coming weeks
• The state may publish additional lists of defaulters as enforcement expands
• Increased compliance monitoring is expected ahead of the next tax filing cycle

The Bottom Line:

Lagos is shifting from passive tax administration to aggressive enforcement, signaling a stricter compliance regime that could significantly boost internally generated revenue but raise legal and operational risks for defaulting firms.