EFCC Arraigns Ascot’s Chief Executive for Tax and Pension Fraud

Steve Judd, a Briton and his company, Ascot Flowlines Limited, (formerly Willbros Nigeria Limited) were today arraigned before Justice H.A Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt on a 41-count charge bordering on stealing, diversion and obtaining money under false pretence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Judd, Managing Director, Ascot Flowlines Limited, allegedly diverted the pension contributions and tax deductions of his staff for personal use.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him and his company.

One of the charges reads, “that you Steve Judd and Ascot Flowlines Limited on or about the 5th November, 2008 at Port Harcourt within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of Three Hundred Twenty Three Thousand Five Hundred and Fourteen Naira (N323, 514.00) only from Barrister Austine Aguguo being deductions for personal income tax under the false pretence that it would be remitted to the River State Board of Internal Revenue, a pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and Punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act”.

Another count reads, “that you Steve Judd and Ascot Flowlines Limited on or about 3rd October, 2008 at Port Harcourt within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of Ninety Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Naira (N90, 390.00) only from Barrister Austine Aguguo being deductions for personal income tax under the false pretence that it would be remitted to the River State Board of Internal Revenue, a pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and Punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act”.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, J. N Dogonyaro prayed the court for a date for commencement of trial. The defence counsel, D. O. Umezuruike however asked the court to grant him leave to apply orally for the bail of the accused person.

Justice Nganjiwa however directed that the application be presented formally and adjourned the matter to January 21, 2014. The accused is to remain in prison custody pending hearing on the bail application.

Media and Publicity

21st November, 2013