Thor Explorations Limited, operator of Segilola Gold mine located at Iperindo, Atakumosa East, has again made scathing remarks against the government of Osun State over the latter’s claim of unpaid taxes and investment benefits, amounting to N65bn, describing it as unfounded and disruptive to operations of the company.
This position was contained in the company’s Q3 2024 Operating Update published 16 October and signed by Mr Segun Lawson, company’s president and chief executive. According to Lawson, “we are continuing our engagement with the relevant Federal Ministries, including the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to resolve the unfounded accusations, demands and disruptive actions instigated against us by the Osun State government.” Lawson noted that “in September, several claims and allegations against Thor’s wholly subsidiary, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (‘SROL’) were reported in the Nigerian press, by Special Advisers of the Osun State Government. “
“The allegations relate to tax evasions, environmental violations and questionable business practices related to employment and shareholding structures.”
The company maintained that the Osun State Government had not presented any evidence to support its claims, therefore the company fully rejected the allegations in their entirety. It was explained that after the state government sought to impede operations at the mine, the company initiated legal proceedings in the Federal High Court in Abuja, which later issued an interim injunction and restraining order preventing the Osun State Government and its officials from interfering with the company’s activities.
The company stressed that it would continue to purse legal action against the state and its officers until the issue is resolved.
