Sen. Dino Melaye Faces N509.6m Tax Evasion Charge

 Sen. Dino Melaye Faces N509.6m Tax Evasion Charge

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has been summoned before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court over alleged evasion of more than N509.6 million in personal income tax.

According to filings, the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) assessed Melaye’s tax liabilities at N234.9 million for 2023 and N274.7 million for 2024, but said he failed to make the payments. The agency also accused him of underpaying taxes between 2019 and 2022. Records show he declared incomes ranging from N1.25 million to N6.54 million in those years but remitted far less — for example, only N85,000.08 in 2019 and N100,000.08 in 2020.

A criminal summons dated August 21, 2025, compels his appearance at the Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone II, Abuja, on September 5, 2025. The FCT-IRS said it issued a notice of best judgment assessment on June 23 after Melaye failed to respond to an administrative assessment, later pasting the notice on his Maitama residence.

The Service stated: “Despite reminders and ample time provided, your non-compliance with Section 41 of the Act constitutes a breach of your obligations. Consequently, the FCT-IRS has proceeded to raise a Best of Judgment Assessment in respect of your tax liabilities for the years under review.”

Under the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011, failure to file returns or under-declaring income attracts fines, recovery of unpaid liabilities, and possible criminal proceedings. If the court upholds the FCT-IRS claims, Melaye may face not only repayment of N509.6 million but also additional liabilities for 2020–2022, penalties, and interest charges.

Melaye, a former Senate Committee on FCT chairman and PDP’s candidate in the November 2023 Kogi governorship election, could not be reached for comment as of Wednesday.