The Lagos State Government has taken legal action against Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, over an alleged ₦94 million tax liability.

According to reports, Lagos authorities claim that Onyema failed to fully remit personal income taxes tied to earnings and financial activities within the state. The government is now seeking to recover the outstanding amount through legal proceedings, marking another high-profile tax enforcement case in Nigeria.

The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by Lagos State to tighten compliance and boost internally generated revenue, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and business leaders. In recent years, the state has intensified its focus on tax collection as economic pressures continue to rise.

The case is drawing attention due to Onyema’s prominence in Nigeria’s aviation industry. As the head of Air Peace, one of the country’s leading airlines, his legal battle comes at a time when the aviation sector is already navigating rising operational costs and regulatory challenges.

Onyema has previously spoken out on taxation policies affecting airlines, warning that increased financial burdens could impact ticket prices and overall industry sustainability. This adds another layer of interest to the case, as it now places him directly within the system he has publicly critiqued.

The matter is expected to proceed through the Lagos courts, where both sides will present their arguments. What may appear as a routine tax dispute is quickly shaping into a significant legal case at the intersection of business, governance, and Nigeria’s evolving tax system.