Order Sharia States To Refund VAT Generated From Alcohol, Activist Tells Court

Sesugh Akume, an activist, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to order states that have outlawed the sale of alcohol to refund Value Added Tax generated from their sale.

Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Zamfara and Niger states practise Sharia and have from time time destroyed bottles of alcohol in public events.

In an originating motion brought pursuant to Section 1(3), 4(5), 162(3), (4) and 163 of the constitution and Section 6(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, the lawyer put four issues before the court for determination.

Listed as respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation and the EFCC.

In the case with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/275/2021, Akume asked the court to determine if the wilful destruction of alcoholic beverage bottles was not economic sabotage. He also asked the court to determine whether it is a contradiction to destroy bottles of alcoholic beverage while benefiting from VAT from the same product.

Akume also sought six reliefs including an order that the production, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages are not forbidden in Nigeria by the Nigerian constitution and that any law criminalising it is unconstitutional.

The activist is also seeking an order compelling the EFCC to determine and publish the extent of financial loss incurred by the destruction of alcoholic beverages.

Akume stated that Nigeria generates huge funds from the production and sale of alcoholic drinks, adding that it constitutes the fourth highest VAT revenue in the country. He said between January and September 2019, N31.8 billion in VAT was generated from breweries.

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don't mind those hypocrites

Allow who want BOOMMMMM

You no dey drink alcohol but you dey sniff soakaway


wonderful madness

Very correct! This should be extended to include states with up to 50% Muslims. It is hypocrisy to forbid pig but wear leather belts and shoes made of pigs skin.

Dis lawyer self.
Seems he doesn't need his head again

Agbegbaorogboye:
Dis lawyer self.
Seems he doesn't need his head again

what do you mean by this statement? Re yiu daft ?

For your peace of mind and that of your family members and friends, Avoid Islam by all means

This is just the very necessary step to take. Even the core islam country has a space for alcohol consumption. Only in Nigeria!!!