Online streamer and content creator Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has criticized the Lagos State Government over what he described as excessive taxation.
In a viral clip from a recent livestream with singer Tobechukwu “Peruzzi” Okoh, the 20-year-old TikTok star revealed that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) billed him N36 million in income tax.
Peller expressed frustration, claiming he has never received any form of support or benefit from the state government. He added that no government official had ever sent him gifts on TikTok, questioning why he should be subjected to such heavy taxation.
Peller said; said, “The task force said I should pay N36 million in tax. I swear to Almighty Allah, I don’t have anything. I only came into the limelight last year. Are you, Peruzzi, even paying tax, and how much is it? Why should I pay N36 million? What does that even mean? Why will the government take money from me when it has never given me anything, not even TikTok support, let alone help from a task force member?
“I know this is because of my interview on TVC, where I said I was making money on TikTok. It was all packaging; I didn’t make any money. I don’t earn from Nigeria; my money comes from social media. I don’t work in any company, and I don’t have any.”
However, Peruzzi advised Peller to settle the tax bill to avoid possible jail time.
The “Lagbaja” crooner stressed the importance of paying taxes, reminding Peller that anyone earning income in Nigeria is legally required to meet their tax obligations.
The 35-year-old stated, “Why haven’t you paid your taxes? As a Nigerian, you know you must pay tax. The government doesn’t care whether you only came into the limelight last year. Do you know how much I pay in tax? I won’t mention it here, but it’s more than the bill they gave you.
“You must pay it; if you don’t, the government will arrest you. They asked you to pay because you’re making money. Once they arrest you, you can go to their office and explain that your interview on TVC was just packaging, but remember, if you’re earning money in Nigeria, you must pay tax.”
Watch the video below;
Peller lamented to Peruzzi that the Lagos Inland Revenue Service demanded ₦36 million from him, and Peruzzi replied that his own tax bill is even higher 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/6GXryyJUGA
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) August 12, 2025