Crime and MetroEntertainment

Court issues bench warrant on Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda over tax evasion

A Lagos State High Court, Igbosere Division yesterday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Nollywood actress and producer, Monalisa Chinda Coker, over a tax evasion charges.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye yesterday renewed the order for Monalisa’s arrest following her alleged failure to appear in court for trial since 2017.

The application for her arrest stems from a two-count charge accusing Coker of failure to file annual tax returns and pay income tax in respect of her company, Monalisa Code Productions, for six years.

During the proceedings yesterday, both Monalisa and her lawyer were absent in court.

Addressing the court, the Prosecuting Counsel, Babatunde Sumonu said that the bench warrant was yet to be effected.

Meanwhile, the charges against her as filed in suit No: LD/5712c/2017, read that “Failure to furnish and file annual tax returns for the purpose of personal income taxation with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) contrary to Section 94(1) of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (as amended).”

The particulars of the count stated that “Coker, of Monalisa Code Productions, being a taxable person in Nigeria and carrying on business at Lekki failed to furnish and file tax returns on your personal income for the years 2011 to 2016.”

“Failure to pay income tax contrary to Section 56 of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law of 2006.”

However, Justice Akintoye held that the bench warrant is to continue and thereafter adjourned the matter till July 5.

The judge made the original order for Coker’s arrest in January 21, following an application by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

The state alleged that Coker repeatedly failed to honour a court summons, despite its (Monalisa Code Productions) operational center located in Lekki, Lagos.

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