Appeal Court Affirms EFCC's Power to Investigate Tax Evasion

 The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the power of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute cases of tax evasion and other tax-related issues. In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the court, led by Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, set aside a previous judgment of the Federal High Court that had held that the EFCC lacked the statutory power to investigate tax evasion.


The Court of Appeal held that Section 46 of the EFCC Act empowers the Commission to investigate and prosecute tax evasion cases, and that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act itself supports collaboration between the FIRS and the EFCC in the investigation and enforcement of tax evasion.

The case originated from a suit filed by Insurance Resourcery and Consultancy Service Limited, which had claimed that the EFCC lacked the competence and legal right to investigate its officials for tax evasion. The EFCC appealed the judgment, arguing that the trial court erred in holding that it lacked statutory power to investigate tax evasion.

The Court of Appeal's judgment is a significant development in the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC's power to investigate and prosecute tax evasion cases is crucial in addressing the menace of tax evasion and other financial crimes that have been prevalent in the country.

The court's decision is also a testament to the importance of collaboration between government agencies in the fight against financial crimes. The EFCC and the FIRS can now work together to investigate and prosecute tax evasion cases, which will help to increase revenue for the government and reduce the incidence of financial crimes.

The judgment is also a significant victory for the EFCC, which has been at the forefront of the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. The Commission's Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

The Court of Appeal's judgment is a step in the right direction in the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. It will help to strengthen the EFCC's hand in investigating and prosecuting tax evasion cases, and will also serve as a deterrent to those who engage in financial crimes.


Follow NewsWave Dailyz for more update 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NIGERIA VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA PARTICIPATES IN 2ND UN FOOD SYSTEMS SUMMIT IN ETHIOPIA

Image
 The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the Second United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit. The summit is scheduled to take place from July 27 to 29, 2025. Upon arrival, Vice President Shettima was warmly received by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, and other dignitaries, including the Chargé d'Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Amb. Nasir Aminu; Dr. Suleiman Dauda, Finance Attaché; Wing Commander Gabriel Batubo, Deputy Defence Attaché (Air Force) to Ethiopia; and the Deputy Head of Mission, Amb. Macy Ogbede, among others. Vice President Shettima received a comprehensive briefing ahead of the summit from Amb. Nasir Aminu and Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU). The briefing provided valuable insights into the summit's objectives and outcomes. The Second UN Food Systems ...
Read more

Lagos Ranked Among Best Nightlife Cities in the World

Image
 Lagos, Nigeria, has been ranked among the best nightlife cities in the world, according to Time Out Magazine. The city ranks second in Africa behind Cape Town, South Africa. The nightlife scene in Lagos was rated positively by 79% of locals who were interviewed. The magazine noted that Lagos's nightlife scene is shifting from exclusive lounges to inclusive underground raves such as SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy. This rating is a testament to the security and safety of lives and property in Lagos State. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, attributed the rating to the security architecture put in place by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration. The government is planning to calendarise tourism activities, particularly in the last quarter of the year, which is known for its vibrant events. Lagos will host several notable events, including the EI (water race) Championship, making it the first African city to do so. The city has also been ch...
Read more

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Emphasizes Importance of Annual Vacation for Judicial Officers

Image
 Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has stressed the need for judicial officers to take their annual vacation seriously to maintain productivity and overall well-being. He made this statement at a valedictory court session held in honour of Late Justice Young Emmanuel Ogola (Rtd) at the Bayelsa State High Court Complex in Yenagoa. Senator Ewhrudjakpo noted that judicial officers work under tremendous strain, burning the midnight oil, and urged them to find time to rest amidst their tight schedule. He emphasized that the work will continue even when they are not there, so it's essential to give themselves rest. The Deputy Governor paid tribute to Late Justice Ogola, describing him as a man of values who promoted the common good. He noted that Justice Ogola was an embodiment of humility, steadfastness, and selflessness, and urged the younger generation to emulate his attributes. The State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, eulogized Late Justice Ogola, s...
Read more