IRS Files N66.4bn Tax Fraud Charges Against Saipem

The Nigeria Inland Revenue Service (IRS) has charged Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and two of its senior directors, Michel Poggi and Giani Di Petro, with tax fraud totaling N66.4 billion. The charges, filed in the Federal High Court in Lagos before Justice Daniel Osiagor, stem from an investigation into the company's tax compliance from 2014 to 2019.

Prosecutor Mose Ideho informed the court that the defendants failed to deduct and remit various taxes, including company income tax, tertiary education tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, value-added tax, and stamp duty. The alleged actions contravene the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act of 2007 and the Company Income Tax Act of 2004.

The defendants were absent during the arraignment, and their counsel, B. Sodipo, indicated that a preliminary objection was being filed on their behalf.

The court has adjourned the matter to June 29 for a hearing on the preliminary objection.