ABUJA— The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arraigned the owners of Telcom Satellites TV, TSTV, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, on a nine-count charge that bordered on alleged tax evasion and money laundering.
The EFCC, among other things, alleged that the defendants had on May 18, 2020, engaged in tax evasion, alleging that they failed to remit VAT, company income tax and Pay as You Earn, PAYE, deducted from salaries of about 165 staff members of the company. Besides, EFCC alleged that the 1st defendant, Dr. Echefu, defrauded a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Turaki Kabir Tanimu, of the sum of N960m under false pretences.
It told the court that on the same date, the defendant obtained another N380million that was paid into the same account for the same purpose, while he also secured N400million from Turaki, SAN.According to the EFCC, Turaki, SAN, while acting as Managing Director of K. T Turake, made two payments of N15million each, into the Briechberg Investment Limited bank account belonging to the st defendant, for the same purpose.
However, the defence lawyer, Mr. Fatigun, SAN, drew attention of the court to the fact that his clients were on administrative bail that was granted to them by the EFCC.In his brief ruling, Justice Ekwo said he was minded to release the defendants on bail, pending the hearing and determination of the case against them.