The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday quizzed Chairman of Arik Air Sir J.I Arumemi Johnson and the Managing Director Michael McTighe over alleged N4.6 billion tax evasion.
Daily Trust learnt they both flew in from Lagos to the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja around 4pm in the company of their lawyer Femi Falana.
EFCC on Tuesday stormed the Lagos head office of Arik Air where they arrested the chief pilot Captain Victor Egono and the airline’s chief security officer.
Both members of staff were arrested after the request to see the Chairman and Managing Director failed.
A senior official in the commission said, “The chief pilot and CSO were arrested and their statements were taken but the company’s lawyer got in touch with us and made commitments that the Chairman and MD would report today (Wednesday). The staff were released on bail and they came at 4 today to Abuja.”
The senior official said EFCC stormed the Arik office on Tuesday because the airline failed to honour several invitations extended to the management to come and answer questions over the alleged tax evasion.
Daily Trust learnt the Arik Air top shots were released after interrogation to report next week.
Also, EFCC has so far recovered over N3billion from other businesses claimed to have engaged in tax evasion.
The tax recovery exercise was ordered by EFCC Chairman Mrs. Farida Waziri with a view to breaking the link between tax evasion and money laundering.
The official told Daily Trust some of the companies which paid tax arrears include, “Chanchangi Airlines- N290m, Belview Airline- N500m, Rockview Hotel- N93million, Amigos Supermarket- N43million and Bolton White Hotel- N13m.”
EFCC’s Spokesman Femi Babafemi said, “they came, met our team but that’s all I can say for now.”