Nigerian TikTok star, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Peller, has appealed to the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) to reconsider what he described as an “outrageous” tax bill of ₦18 million.
In a viral video, Peller pleaded with the authorities to have mercy on him, stressing that he is “just managing” and does not have the means to settle such a huge amount. “Government, please, I need you to pity me. I don’t have anything; I am just managing. How can you tell me to come and pay a huge tax? Do you want to kill me?” he lamented.
Peller suggested that the tax demand might have been influenced by a recent online rumour claiming he paid fellow TikToker, Gehgeh, ₦25 million to appear on his livestream. He denied the allegation, stating that his fans, not him, contributed money for the studio payment.
The content creator clarified that his online partnerships earn him between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000 per deal, far from the figures being circulated. He insisted that the viral claim had painted a false picture of his financial status, possibly catching the attention of tax officials.
“Please don’t listen to him (Gehgeh). I did not pay such an amount. My income is not even close to what people think. I work hard for every little I get, and most times it is my fans who support me when I need help. I am just a normal guy on the street, not a millionaire,” Peller stated.
