The Lagos State Government (LASG) has responded to viral claims by popular TikToker and content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, aka Peller, that he received a ₦36 million tax bill from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).

Peller, 20, sparked debate after lamenting during a livestream with singer Peruzzi that the government demanded ₦36m in income tax despite his recent rise to fame. He criticized the state, saying it had offered him no support while requesting what he described as an “outrageous” sum.

In reaction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tax and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, explained that the LIRS operates as an independent body tasked with issuing fair tax assessments. He stressed that all residents earning legitimate income are constitutionally required to pay tax.

Ogungbo, however, noted that the specifics of Peller’s case would be reviewed, promising further clarification after engaging with the LIRS.

He added: “Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that when you earn income legitimately, you are required to declare it honestly to the authorities. The quantum and context of this particular case will be properly investigated.”