Management of Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP (“Alpha-Beta”) has reacted to a recent publications by some online media alleging tax evasion and improper tax practices by the Company.
A statement issued and signed by the management of the company referred to the allegations as false, misleading, and malicious.
According to the company, its reaction to the report became expedient just to set the record straight.
It alleged that the allegations originated from a former employee who exited the Company on 7 January 2025.
It said the sack of the staff followed a documented history of misconduct, insubordination, and breach of internal standards.
It said, “Significantly, the staff raised no allegations for several months after leaving the company. His claims only surfaced later, coinciding with the period when he was called upon to respond to outstanding criminal matters before the Lagos State Police Command, raising serious questions about the motive and timing of these accusations.
“Alpha-Beta is also aware of a series of anonymous emails circulated to staff by individuals identifying themselves as “Concerned Staff & Citizens”, containing false and criminally defamatory allegations against the company’s leadership and employees.
“ Based on similarities in timing, content, and narrative, Alpha-Beta has reasonable grounds to believe these publications form part of a coordinated campaign of misinformation and intimidation,” the statement said.
In furtherance to its denial, the company said, “The allegation advanced is that Alpha-Beta engages in tax evasion. This assertion is false and stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of tax law.
“Tax evasion is a criminal offence involving deliberate concealment or non-remittance of taxes due. Tax avoidance, by contrast, is a lawful and globally recognised practice of tax planning within the framework of existing laws.
On the substance of the allegations, the statement said, “Alpha-Beta does not engage in tax evasion. The Company fully complies with Nigerian tax laws and adopts lawful tax-planning practices consistent with international best practice. Alpha-Beta has undergone routine tax audits by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service for the 2018, 2019–2020, 2021, and 2022 assessment periods, all of which were successfully resolved. The 2023–2024 audit is currently ongoing, with the Company cooperating fully.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no regulatory or law-enforcement authority has made any adverse finding, determination, or indictment against Alpha-Beta in relation to tax evasion.
“The staff’s conduct does not meet the legal or ethical threshold of whistleblowing, which requires good faith, accuracy, and lawful disclosure. What is at issue is bad-faith disclosure of confidential information, not whistleblowing.
“The Company believes further malicious publications may follow. The public and media are therefore advised to disregard unverified claims and exercise responsible judgment.
“Alpha-Beta urges media organisations to uphold principles of fairness, balance, and verification before publishing allegations capable of causing reputational harm.
“Alpha-Beta remains committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and ethical business conduct, and reserves all legal rights in respect of these false publications,” it concluded.