TDA coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has issued a strongly worded petition to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), urging immediate enforcement of outstanding criminal charges and financial recovery obligations against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
The coalition seeks the enforcement before he assumes his newly appointed role as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
The coalition’s letter was addressed to the Executive Chairman of the NRS.
It warned that permitting Senator Ibrahim to depart for his diplomatic posting without resolving these matters would represent a grave dereliction of duty.
It may compromise the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts and send a damaging signal about Nigeria’s commitment to accountability.
Key Allegations Against Senator Ibrahim
- 10-count criminal charge: Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Ibrahim of failing to remit corporate taxes for five consecutive years, amounting to N4.86 billion.
- Forgery of Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs): Allegedly produced and presented forged documents to renew expatriate quota positions for 30 individuals, raising concerns of both tax evasion and document fraud.
- Outstanding liabilities: In 2016, the then-FIRS (now NRS) sealed the offices of NICON Insurance Plc over N182.7 million in unremitted taxes. The coalition demands clarity on whether this liability has been recovered.
Coalition’s Demands
The petition outlines specific actions for the NRS:
- Issue a public status update on the pending criminal charges.
- Confirm whether the N4.86 billion tax debt remains outstanding or if any settlement has been reached.
- Provide an update on the NICON Insurance liability sealed in 2016.
- Take lawful steps, including seeking court orders, to prevent Senator Ibrahim’s departure until these matters are resolved.
Institutional Crisis
The coalition describes the situation as an “institutional crisis”.
They stressed that appointing a named criminal defendant and court-declared obligor to represent Nigeria at the UN risks undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s accountability institutions.
They argued that such an appointment could be perceived internationally as shielding individuals from justice through diplomatic postings, thereby eroding public trust and damaging Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
Signatories
The petition was endorsed by a broad alliance of civil society organisations, including:
- 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative
- Accountability Lab Nigeria
- Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
- HEDA Resource Centre
- ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication
- Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
- Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI)
- Policy Alert
- Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
- CHRICED
- Partners West Africa – Nigeria
- Opeyemi Adamolekun (individual signatory)
Broader Implications
This petition highlights the tension between Nigeria’s domestic accountability mechanisms and its international diplomatic appointments.
Civil society groups argue that unresolved criminal charges and financial obligations should disqualify individuals from representing Nigeria abroad, especially at institutions like the United Nations where integrity and credibility are paramount.
Observers note that the case could set a precedent:
“If Senator Ibrahim departs without resolution, it may embolden others facing legal or financial scrutiny to seek diplomatic postings as shields against prosecution.”
This report frames the petition as a national accountability issue with global consequences, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and enforcement by the NRS.
For more details, read part one below:
Civil Society Coalition Demands Withdrawal of Jimoh Ibrahim’s UN Appointment (Part 1)
