The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has sounded a note of warning to business organizations and private citizens who use fake tax clearance certificate, TCC, and audit reports to apply for contracts.

In a statement released in Abuja, the ICPC said it is committed to bringing to book public officials who abuse their offices in accordance with the provisions of the ICPC Act 2000.

As stated in the statement, ICPC said it has commenced investigation into the procurement of tax clearance certificates and audit reports by several companies in order to ensure that those bidding for contracts are not tax evaders.

The ICPC added that subsequently it would prosecute tax- related cases in courts, especially those cutting corners to win contracts.

Section 25 sub-section (1) (a) empowered ICPC to investigate and prosecute anybody be it corporate or individual for making statement which is false or intended to mislead a public official in the course of discharging their duties.

The section prescribed two years imprisonment for making false statement which is “intended to mislead or its untrue in any material particular” to public officials.

Accordingly, the agency advised tax assessors, corporate and private citizens to be mindful of receiving and presenting forged or corruptly-assessed tax clearance certificates and audit reports, in order not to fall short of the provisions of the ICPC Act.