Nollywood star, Monalisa Chinda Coker debunks allegation of tax evasion
By TONY ADAMS
Below is the official statement sent to DAYLIGHT.NG by the solicitors of leading Nollywood actress and producer, Monalisa Chinda-Coker debunking the claims of tax evasion allegation by the Lagos state government. Excerpts.
“Emeka Odikpo & Associates are the Solicitors to Mrs. Monalisa Chinda and on her instructions do hereby issue the following statement:
That Mrs. Monalisa Chinda Coker received with rude shock the libelous publication against her of a 6 year tax evasion case. It is unfortunate that this tendentious and wholly false information has been spread through Social Media and even the formal media against the person and reputation of Monalisa Coker. Mrs. Coker hereby states that she has never received any summons whatsoever from Lagos State Internal Revenue Service or from any Court. Mrs. Monalisa Coker hereby formally states that all businesses from which she earns income are based in Portharcourt, Rivers State and that her personal income tax status should be the exclusive preserve of Rivers State Government.
Mrs. Coker further states that it is only her foundation known as Arise Monalisa Foundation that is based in Lekki, Lagos. The said body is a non-profit organization and thus do not pay tax by law. Mrs. Coker states that sometime in 2016, when LIRS officials were dropping tax assessments around the premises of Arise Monalisa Foundation at Lekki, Lagos, they visited the premises and were told by the staff that only a non-profit organization was operational there. They advised that even though the business is non profit, the head of the outfit should pay some tax based on self assessment. Based on the advice, she approached a bank and on self assessment basis paid N100,000.00 for two years to the LIRS. She was also issued a tax card. (Photocopies of receipts and card attached for ease of reference)
Mrs. Monalisa Coker hereby restates for emphasis that Rivers State Government is the appropriate body that she is compelled by law to make income tax returns to. She has therefore instructed her Lawyers and Tax Consultants to approach Lagos State Inland Revenue Service with this information for necessary clearance.”
EMEKA ODIKPO ESQ
SOLICITOR
