Simon Guobadia disputes federal tax fraud charges, claims DOJ misread records

Simon Guobadia rejected federal tax fraud allegations on Wednesday, stating that the U.S. Department of Justice misinterpreted his company’s financial data. The businessman and former husband of reality television star Porsha Williams faces two counts of allegedly aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. He called the government's case grossly exaggerated in a public response to the indictment.

Prosecutors filed the charges in federal court in Georgia on Tuesday, October 27. The indictment alleges that Guobadia knowingly underreported his income on multiple filings despite his business generating substantial revenue. Court records show that an arrest warrant has been issued, though it is not yet clear if he has been taken into custody.

The government points to specific discrepancies in Simcol Petroleum Limited's records. In March 2021, Guobadia reportedly filed paperwork showing zero taxable income. Prosecutors claim he knew he earned significantly more, as the company generated over $45 million in gross sales that year. A second filing in July 2021 reported $58,231 in taxable income while the company listed nearly $31 million in gross sales. The indictment states that Guobadia knew both his personal income and the company's sales were substantially higher than the reported amounts.

Guobadia argued that the government failed to account for the specific mechanics of the oil industry. He noted that his background as a former tax accountant and CPA gives him a clear understanding of the consequences of filing false returns. He maintained that his deductions for cost of goods sold and federal taxes are independently verifiable. He emphasized that profit margins in the petroleum sector are thin, meaning high sales figures do not necessarily equate to high taxable profits.

In his statement, Guobadia said, 'As a former tax accountant and CPA, I understand the consequences of filing a false tax return. I am also completely confident that the U.S. Department of Justice got this wrong.' He added that anyone familiar with the industry would acknowledge the thin margins, noting that oil companies do not overstate costs or taxes paid to the government. He criticized the public attention, stating that the widely publicized indictment creates a misleading impression of his business dealings.

Guobadia’s legal troubles follow a high-profile divorce from Porsha Williams. The couple married in November 2022, but Williams filed for divorce in February 2024. Their split concluded in June of last year, with Williams securing their Atlanta mansion and a seven-figure settlement. Williams previously cited issues with Guobadia's immigration status and honesty as factors in her decision to end the marriage. Guobadia was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a divorce hearing and deported to Nigeria in 2025.

The federal charges remain pending. Guobadia's claims regarding his company's financial reporting have not been independently verified. The indictment alleges that he understood the true value of his income and sales at the time of filing.