Justice Adedayo Akintoye of an Igbosere High Court in Lagos has again issued an arrest warrant against former Super Eagles Captain, Austine Jay-Jay Okocha for alleged tax evasion.
Following an application made by the Lagos State Prosecutor, Yusuf Sule, the Justice extended the warrant, which was earlier issued on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.
Sule told the court that Okocha has yet to settle out of court a 2017 alleged income tax evasion charge.
The prosecutor said that Okocha had also failed to appear in court since October 5th, 2017, when the case first came up.
However, Okocha was not in court and was not represented by any lawyer.
Sule also said that Okocha had made contact with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
“The defendant is trying to settle, but is yet to make any payment. In the circumstances, we will be asking for a further date.”
Granting the application, Justice Akintoye ruled: “Bench Warrant is to continue against the defendant. Case is adjourned until May 28 for further directions.”
Earlier, the prosecutor filed a three-count charge against Okocha on June 6, 2017, accusing him of:
“Failure to furnish return of income for tax purposes with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Services (LIRS), and failure to pay income tax.
“The offences contravene Section 56(a) and (b) of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law No. 8 of 2006 and Section 94 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 (As Amended).”
A glimpse at Okocha’s net worth
Beside being a talented former professional football player, Jay Jay Okocha is also renowned businessman.
He is the head of the conglomerate Jay Jay Okocha Group West Africa Ltd. which has more than 250 employees. Okocha’s conglomerate includes various businesses such as bars, restaurants, a currency exchange office, importation of cars and wine, supply of security equipment and staff, property development, football players’ management, road construction, and sales of electronics.
More so, the retired footballer’s nightclub has a very high reputation compared to other nightclubs.
