Popular online streamer and content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, better known as “Peller,” has taken to social media to accuse the Lagos State Government of overtaxing him.
In a viral video from a recent TikTok livestream with singer Tobechukwu Okoh, popularly known as “Peruzzi,” the 20-year-old revealed that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) is demanding ₦36 million from him as income tax.
Peller, who is well-known for his sarcastic humor and relaxed style, claimed the huge tax bill might have been triggered by an earlier interview on TVC where he boasted about making big money from TikTok.
“I think this is because of what I said on TVC. It was all packaging; I didn’t really make any money. I don’t even earn from Nigeria — my money comes from social media. I don’t work in any company, and I don’t have government contracts,” Peller said during the livestream.
Peruzzi Warns: “Pay or Go to Jail”
Responding on the live stream, Peruzzi urged Peller to settle his tax bill quickly to avoid possible arrest.
“Why haven’t you paid your taxes? As a Nigerian, you know you must pay tax. The government doesn’t care whether you only became popular last year,” Peruzzi said.
The “Lagbaja” hitmaker added that he personally pays more than the ₦36 million Peller was billed and stressed that anyone earning in Nigeria is legally required to pay taxes.
“You must pay it; if you don’t, they will arrest you. Once they arrest you, you can go to their office and explain that your TVC interview was just packaging. But remember, if you’re making money in Nigeria, you must pay tax,” Peruzzi warned.
From Celeb Guests to Tax Trouble
Peller has grown a large fan base on TikTok for his witty sarcasm and fun conversations. He has hosted several celebrities on his livestream, including rapper Olamide, singer Peter “Mr P” Okoye, and footballer Victor Boniface.
Now, with a ₦36 million tax bill hanging over his head, his followers are watching closely to see how this clash with the Lagos tax authorities will play out.
