A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the remand of Solomon Ejiofor in a correctional centre after he was arraigned over N307 million tax fraud. Ejiofor was arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on a four-count charge of intent to defraud by the police. The charges relate to an alleged fraud involving N307 million, which Ejiofor allegedly collected from Lotus Travels Services Limited.
According to the police prosecutor, Barrister Augustine Nwabueze, Ejiofor presented himself as a Tax Manager with Forvis Mazars and collected the sum of N307 million disbursed to him through his bank account for the settlement of taxes with the Nigerian Revenue Services (NRS). However, Ejiofor allegedly diverted the said sum into his personal use. When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defence counsel told the court that he had a motion for the bail filed on behalf of Ejiofor and served the prosecution with a copy of the application for bail. However, Barrister Nwabueze told the court that the motion was served on him a day before the arraignment and that he would need time to study and respond to it properly. The court has adjourned the matter till October 26, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and for trial to commence.
The four counts charge against Ejiofor include knowingly presenting himself as a Tax Manager with FORVIS MAZARS on behalf of Lotus Travels Services Limited with intent to defraud and collecting N307 million. The charges also include fraudulently obtaining N307 million from Lotus Travels Services Limited for the settlements of company taxes and converting the same to his personal uses. Additionally, Ejiofor is accused of stealing N307 million from Lotus Travels Services Limited and conspiring to gain unauthorized funds meant to be remitted into the National Revenue Services.
The offences are punishable under various laws, including the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2016, the Criminal Code Act CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act 205 (as Amended 2024). The court will hear the bail application and commence trial on October 26, 2026.
The case has raised concerns about the prevalence of fake tax collectors and the need for vigilance among businesses and individuals. The Nigerian Revenue Services (NRS) has been working to curb tax evasion and ensure compliance with tax laws. The remand of Ejiofor is a significant step in the prosecution of those accused of tax-related crimes.
The case will continue on October 26, 2026, with the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial. Key points in the case include:
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Solomon Ejiofor over N307 million tax fraud.
- Ejiofor allegedly presented himself as a Tax Manager with Forvis Mazars and collected N307 million from Lotus Travels Services Limited.
- The offences are punishable under various laws, including the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2016.
