The Osun State Government said it has sealed up the business premises of Segilola Resources Operating Limited over alleged tax evasion.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Monday, said the action followed a court order permitting the state to seal the company for “various flagrant tax violations and failure to disclose fully the employees directly and indirectly involved in its business activities, obstruction of tax processes by failing to provide timely tax information and documents.”
“Segilola Resources Operating Limited is one of the major companies carrying out mining activities and mineral exploration in the State as a subsidiary of Thors Explorations Limited listed on London and Toronto Stock Exchanges.
“After a series of demands, meetings, consultations, and engagements, the company still remained adamant and remorseless in its tax evasion and other violations. The Attorney-General of Osun State approached the court and consequently obtained an Order of the Court to seal up the Company until the due sum calculated from 2019 to 2023 is fully liquidated into the Osun State Government Account.
“The state notes with regret that while some companies make billions of naira in the state, especially in the mining sector, they are not ready to give the state its lawful dues.
“While the issue of shareholding values due to the acquisition of Osun state interest in Tropical Mines is purely commercial, we will continue to hold the company responsible for all its actions,” he said.
Recall that the gold mining company, in a statement by its Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, had denied the allegations by the state government, claiming that it has consistently demonstrated a commitment to being a law-abiding, transparent corporate entity, fulfilling all tax obligations and royalty payments in full and on time.
