Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Peller, has sparked online conversation after claiming that the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) slammed him with a massive ₦18 million tax bill.
Omo, ₦18 million? That’s the kind of figure that can make anybody lose sleep!
The Viral Video
In a video currently making rounds on social media, the teenage influencer expressed his shock and frustration over what he called an “outrageous” demand.
“Government, please pity me. I don’t have anything, I’m just managing. How can you tell me to come and pay such a huge tax? Do you want to kill me? You have children like me at home too; why are you doing this to me?” he lamented.
Possible Cause of the Huge Bill
Peller alleged that the tax amount might have been influenced by an online rumour claiming he paid fellow TikToker Gehgeh ₦25 million to appear on his livestream.
Omo, just imagine — from content collab gist to tax wahala!
In a follow-up video, he strongly denied the claim, clarifying that his actual earnings are far smaller than people assume.
“Please don’t listen to him. I didn’t pay such an amount. My fans contributed to cover the studio costs. Even the partnerships I get online don’t pay more than ₦200k or ₦500k,” he explained.
False Perceptions, Real Problems
According to Peller, these exaggerated figures floating online have created a false image of his financial status, which may have contributed to the LIRS’s hefty tax demand.
The situation has since triggered debates about how much influencers really earn, and whether viral rumours can affect real-life financial obligations.
Omo, as this gist dey go, it’s looking like more influencers might soon start talking about their own tax struggles.
