A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone II, has summoned former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, to appear before it on September 5, 2025, over allegations of non-payment of more than ₦500 million in Personal Income Tax.
The summons, signed by Magistrate Chiemena Nonye-Okoronkwo on August 21, 2025, followed a petition by the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) accusing the ex-lawmaker of persistent under-declaration of income and default in tax remittance.
Documents presented to the court show that Melaye paid only ₦85,000 in 2019, ₦100,000 in 2020, ₦120,000 in 2021, and ₦1 million in 2022, despite declaring an annual income exceeding ₦6.5 billion.
After an administrative assessment notice issued in May 2025 went unanswered, the FCT-IRS invoked a Best of Judgment (BOJ) assessment in June. The BOJ estimated Melaye’s liabilities at ₦234.9 million for 2023 and ₦274.7 million for 2024, bringing the cumulative debt to over ₦509 million.
The revenue service said repeated efforts to serve the notices directly at Melaye’s Maitama residence failed, leading to the documents being pasted on his gate. He was given 30 days to file a valid objection or face enforcement actions without further warning.
- EFCC Raids Four Illegal Lithium Plants in Ogun, Arrests 14 Chinese Nationals and Nigerian
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15… - 2027 Elections: OK Movement Faults NDC’s Late Campaign Preparations, Questions Grassroots Strength
The Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress…
The case has drawn wide attention, not only because of the huge tax bill but also because it tests the government’s determination to ensure compliance among prominent Nigerians. Under the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), failure to pay or deliberate under-reporting of income attracts heavy penalties, including possible prosecution.
Observers note that the summons comes at a time when the FCT administration is clamping down on tax evasion and insisting on valid Tax Clearance Certificates as a prerequisite for business and government transactions.
With the September 5 hearing approaching, all eyes are on Dino Melaye as he decides whether to contest the assessment or settle the liabilities to avoid escalating legal consequences.
