Popular online streamer and content creator Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat has accused the Lagos State Government of imposing what he calls an “unreasonable” tax burden on him.
In a viral clip from a recent TikTok livestream with singer Tobechukwu “Peruzzi” Okoh, the 20-year-old revealed that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) had issued him a ₦36 million income tax bill.
Peller argued that he had never benefited from any state government initiative, nor received gifts or sponsorships from any official. The 2024 Trace Awards & Festival “Best Content Creator” winner said:
“They’re asking me to pay ₦36 million in tax. I swear to Almighty Allah, I don’t have anything. I only became popular last year. Peruzzi, are you even paying tax? Why should I pay this amount? What does it mean for the government to take money from me when it has never given me anything—not even TikTok support, let alone help from a task force member?
I believe this is because of my TVC interview where I said I was making money on TikTok. That was just packaging; I don’t actually make money from Nigeria. My income comes from social media, and I’m not employed by any company.”
Peruzzi Warns of Legal Consequences
During the livestream, Peruzzi advised Peller to pay the tax to avoid the risk of imprisonment, stressing that earning income in Nigeria comes with a legal obligation to pay taxes.
“Why haven’t you paid your taxes? As a Nigerian, you know it’s a duty. The government doesn’t care if you only became famous last year. Do you know how much I pay in tax? It’s even more than your bill.
You must pay it. If you don’t, they will arrest you. Once that happens, you can explain about your TVC interview, but remember—if you earn in Nigeria, you must pay tax.”
Known for his humorous and relaxed streaming style, Peller has hosted several notable personalities on TikTok Live, including Olamide, Peter “Mr P” Okoye, and footballer Victor Boniface.
