Just In: Again, Court Orders Jay Jay Okocha’s Arrest

A Lagos High Court in Igbosere has renewed a bench warrant for the arrest of former Super Eagles captain, Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha for alleged tax evasion.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye approved the warrant following Okocha’s alleged failure to settle a 2017 income tax evasion case brought against him by the Lagos State Government.

Okocha, who was not in court, was not represented by any lawyer.

The government alleged that Okocha had also failed to appear in court since October 5, 2017, when the case first came up.

At the resumption of proceedings Monday, the prosecution lawyer said Okocha had made contact with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).

He said: “The defendant (Okocha) is trying to settle, but he is yet to make any payment. In the circumstances, we will be asking for a further date.”

Granting his application, Justice Akintoye ruled: “Bench Warrant is to continue against the defendant. Case adjourned till May 28, 2019 for further directions.”

Naija News recalls that Akintoye first made the order on January 29, following an application by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.