N100bn Fraud: Fire Burn Papers Filed Against Bola Tinubu, Alpha Beta In Court

Former Managing Director of Alpha Beta, Dapo Apara has said that the suit filed against Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and tax consultancy firm, Alpha Beta Consulting has been burnt to ashes in the recent attack on the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere.

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, October 27, Apara’s lawyer, Mr. Tade Ipadeola, revealed that the suit suffered a setback as a result of the fire incident in the court in the wake of the #EndSARS protests.

Naija News understands that Apara had instituted a lawsuit against the All Progressives Congress chieftain and Alpha Beta Consulting, stating that the two parties controlled the company which was receiving 10 per cent of the taxes collected on behalf of the state.

Speaking on the fire incident, Ipadeola said, “Everything in Igbosere High Court got burnt including the registrar’s copy of our application. In fact, the whole building was burnt to ashes. So, we will have to file again. The registry has been moved to Ikeja.

“We may have to file the case afresh at the Ikeja High Court but we have not yet been instructed to do so.”

In the writ of summons marked LD/7330GCMW/2020, Apara asked the respondents to appear within 42 days or judgment may be given in their absence, Naija News understands.

Apara who happens to be a former MD of the firm said he began looking into its finances and he made many startling discoveries such as mysterious transfers of over N20bn to various companies. “N550million payment to Ocean Trust Ltd vide payment instruction dated the 15/5/18 N850million payment to Ocean Trust Ltd vide payment instruction dated the 14/3/15,” he stated.

According to the claimant, N960 million was spent on purchasing HITV’s 300,000,000 shares, adding that Tinubu was furious that he was looking into the company’s finances and this led to his demotion and eventual exit.

However, Alpha Beta Tax consultancy firm, Alpha Beta LLP, had denied allegations levelled against it by Apara, noting that he had diverted about $5m while heading the firm by inflating a contract which was worth about $300,000 and then diverted a separate N6bn to personal use. The firm further stated that it had reported Apara’s alleged fraud to the appropriate authorities but he had refused to show up and rather remained in Dubai.

The firm said Apara’s allegations levelled against Tinubu were specious and diversionary.

Meanwhile, the governor of Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial city, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has insisted that only two unarmed #EndSARS protesters were killed at the Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday, October 20.