By Tax Evasion: Lagos State Closes In On Ay Makun And Davido
Two top celebrities, comedian, Ayo Makun popularly called Ay and pop star, Davido are currently in troubled waters with Lagos State Government over an alleged tax evasion matters.
The celebrities are in the hook as the State Government has begun moves to tackle high profile tax defaulters in the State in order to ensure high level of compliance with its Tax Laws.
According to a report by Punchng, investigations by the State Government alleged that the two celebrities evade tax despite their earnings from their businesses. A Court document has been sighted where talented singer, David ‘Davido’ Adeleke was dragged by the State Government to Court on grounds of alleged tax evasion.
It was learnt that Davido, the Chief Executive Officer of HKN Music, Lagos was in July 2017 charged before a Lagos High Court, and risk a jail term if convicted.
On the other hand, Ay has a longer history in Court against the State Government as he was earlier charged to Court in 2016 for failing to file his tax returns as required by Law.
A source said, “Notable among these alleged tax offenders are two of Nigeria’s celebrated artistes –Davido and AY, the comedian. Both artistes have had a long standing battle with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service for tax evasion. Davido, who has record deals with Sony Music Entertainment and endorsement agreements with various companies in Nigeria, has not filed his tax returns or remit any taxes to the Lagos State Government.”
A reliable government source disclosed that the two celebrities are claiming to be remitting their taxes to their individual States of origin, but faulted their claims stating that the Tax Law stipulates that taxes are paid to individual State of residence.
