Investigation: FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, Other Top Officials Secretly Running Multi-Million Naira Private Companies While In Office

Secrets Reporters

Weeks-long investigation by SecretsReporters has uncovered a troubling pattern of alleged corporate entanglements involving top officials of Nigeria’s foremost tax authority, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), raising red flags over conflict of interest, abuse of office, asset declaration breaches, and possible violations of the 1999 Constitution.

Documents obtained and painstakingly reviewed by SecretsReporters reveal that the Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, though reportedly resigned as Director of RTR Consulting Limited (RC No. 1287023), remains an active shareholder with 500,000 shares in the company, incorporated on September 11, 2015.

While corporate filings suggest the company is inactive, transactional trails indicate otherwise. Under the Fifth Schedule, Part 1, Paragraph 2(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a full-time public officer is expressly barred from engaging in the management or running of any private business, except farming. Paragraph 13 goes further, closing the backdoor, operating through a nominee or proxy is equally prohibited.

Also, section 5 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and Rule 030424 of the Public Service Rules (2009 Revised) hammer the same nail, public servants must not operate private businesses while in service.

In addition to Adedeji’s fraudulent practice, our investigation also revealed that Mrs. Amina Kurawa Ado, Coordinating Director of the Large Taxpayers Group, is listed as a major shareholder and controlling figure in Soronza Limited (RC No. 1557737), incorporated January 31, 2019.

Also, Mr. Shettima Tamadi, Coordinating Director, Special Duties, is identified as the controlling shareholder of Tri Umbrella Limited (RC No. 1174777; incorporated March 3, 2014), and Tamvest Global Investment Limited (RC No. 867606; incorporated February 4, 2010).

Another official, Mr. Abeghe Tyofa David, Acting Director, Facility Management Department, allegedly maintains controlling interests in Detab Engineering Limited (RC No. 662151; incorporated August 21, 2006), B-T PHRONES/S Engineering Limited (RC No. 858692; incorporated December 11, 2009), and C & O Engineering Limited (RC No. 912/48; incorporated September 20, 2010).

Documents also linked Mr. Lawrence Ejiga, Deputy Director, Procurement, as controlling interest holder in G & L Rehoboth Investment Limited (RC No. 805500; incorporated March 5, 2009), and Amaifeke Microfinance Bank (RC No. 185095; incorporated January 13, 1992).

Recall that in FRN v. Nwankwo (2018) LPELR-44504(CA), the Court of Appeal affirmed that the Code of Conduct binds all public officers without exception. In FRN v. Dariye (2015) 10 NWLR (Pt. 1467) 325, the Supreme Court declared that public office is a sacred trust and its abuse invites swift accountability.

SecretsReporters gathered that formal letters and reminders were sent to the concerned officials requesting clarifications. As of press time, there has been no official response.

Our investigation further reveals that petitions detailing these findings have been submitted to the National Assembly of Nigeria. Also, plans are underway to escalate the matter to anti-graft bodies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).