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| Jimoh Ibrahim |
Unconfirmed information reaching SHOWBIZPLUS from ubiquitous Saharareporters
has it that the Special Enforcement Unit of Federal Inland Revenue Service
(FIRS), has arrested controversial businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, over a tax fraud
that runs into N6.8 billion.
Sources within the
unit told Saharareporters that Mr. Ibrahim was picked up today and is currently
under detention at the offices of the agency.
According to one
source, “We are investigating a case where Chief Ibrahim, defrauded the federal
government to the tune of N6.8 billion.
He is in our custody,
we intend to take a statement from the suspect under caution”, he added.
One of our sources
said Mr. Mr. Ibrahim have been evading agents of the unit for some time but
disclosed that they eventually caught up with him in his hotel room in NICON
Luxury Hotel, where he was arrested this afternoon in Abuja.
Mr. Ibrahim came into
national prominence under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he
was frequently described as an insurance magnate after a questionable sale of
the state owned NICON insurance company to him.
He subsequently became
a player in the media industry through the controversial purchase of Newswatch
magazine and also as a proprietor of Air Nigeria. An airline closed down last
year due to safety concerns and Ibrahim’s inability to meet financial
obligations to staff, lessors and maintenance engineers and aircraft parts
suppliers.
After Mr. Ibrahim’s
purchase of Newswatch, the original directors, including Ray Ekpu, accused Mr.
Ibrahim of hijacking Newswatch without meeting the terms of acquisition as a
majority stakeholder.
His troubles in aviation sector came to light when one of his top level employees, John Nnorom turned into a whistleblower and disclosed to Saharareporters of the airline’s extensive violation of maintenance standards and financial fraud.
Also, Aersale an aircraft leasing company sued him in New York court seeking a huge payment representing Air Nigeria unpaid obligations under the terms of the lease.
His troubles in aviation sector came to light when one of his top level employees, John Nnorom turned into a whistleblower and disclosed to Saharareporters of the airline’s extensive violation of maintenance standards and financial fraud.
Also, Aersale an aircraft leasing company sued him in New York court seeking a huge payment representing Air Nigeria unpaid obligations under the terms of the lease.
Mr.Ibrahim is known to
have extensive political connection with former President Obasanjo as well as top
members of the Goodluck Jonathan regime.
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