BREAKING: Ex-Kogi Senator Dino Melaye Faces Criminal Prosecution Over Tax Evasion

Ex-Kogi Senator Dino Melaye has been smashed with criminal prosecution over tax evasion allegations.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has been dragged before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court over alleged tax evasion and underpayment running into hundreds of millions of naira.

A criminal summons dated August 21, 2025, mandates Melaye to appear at the Wuse Zone II Magistrate Court on September 5, 2025, following a petition by the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).

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According to filings, Melaye allegedly defaulted on his Personal Income Tax obligations for 2023 and 2024, while also underpaying taxes between 2020 and 2022 despite declaring far higher incomes.

Details of Alleged Tax Liabilities

• 2019: Paid N85,000.08

• 2020: Paid N100,000.08

• 2021: Paid N120,000

• 2022: Paid N1,000,000 (despite declaring over N6.5m income)

• 2023: Tax liability assessed at N234.9m

• 2024: Tax liability assessed at N274.7m

The FCT-IRS said it issued administrative assessments in May 2025, but after Melaye allegedly failed to respond within 30 days, a Best Judgment Assessment was raised in June. Attempts to serve him directly reportedly failed, prompting officials to paste the notice on his Maitama residence on July 9, 2025.

The tax body insists that Melaye breached Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act by failing to comply, warning that unless he files an objection within 30 days, the assessment will be deemed final and recovery proceedings will commence.

The case has stirred public debate, given Melaye’s high-profile status as a former senator, lawyer, and political figure.