Guobadia: DOJ Indictment Misreads Oil Industry

Simon Guobadia has publicly challenged a federal tax indictment, stating that the U.S. Department of Justice misunderstood his company's financial records. The businessman, who is the former husband of Porsha Williams, was indicted on October 27 in federal court in Georgia. Prosecutors accuse him of two counts of aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. He claims the allegations are "grossly exaggerated."

Court documents detail specific discrepancies in Guobadia's filings between 2021 and the present. In March 2021, he reportedly filed paperwork showing $0 in taxable income. Prosecutors argue he knew his businesses generated millions of dollars. By July 2021, he reported $58,231 in taxable income. During that same period, his company, Simcol Petroleum Limited, listed nearly $31 million in gross sales. The indictment asserts Guobadia was aware that both his personal income and his company's sales were substantially higher than the reported amounts.

Guobadia defended his reporting practices in a statement, citing his background as a former tax accountant and CPA. He expressed confidence that the government made an error. "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 said. He argued that the government failed to account for the specific operations of the oil industry.

The former housewife's ex-husband explained that oil companies do not overstate the cost of goods sold or the federal taxes they pay. He noted that these deductions can be independently verified. He emphasized that profit margins in the sector are thin. "Anyone who knows the oil industry will tell you our margins are thin," Guobadia stated. He suggested that high gross sales figures do not automatically equate to high taxable profits.

An arrest warrant was issued for Guobadia as part of the indictment. It is currently unclear if he has been taken into custody. The federal charges remain pending, and his claims about the company's financial reporting have not been independently verified. Guobadia criticized the public attention surrounding the case, arguing the widespread publicity created a misleading impression of his business dealings.

Guobadia's legal troubles coincide with the conclusion of his high-profile divorce. Porsha Williams filed for divorce in February 2024 after 15 months of marriage. The process was finalized in June 2025. Williams secured their multimillion-dollar Atlanta mansion and a seven-figure settlement. She cited issues with Guobadia's immigration status and alleged dishonesty as reasons for the split. Guobadia was deported to Nigeria in 2025 due to immigration issues and cannot legally re-enter the United States until further notice.

Williams previously told media outlets that she discovered "complex" issues with Guobadia's legal status during the final three months of their marriage. She stated she filed for divorce to gain immediate legal protection. Guobadia offered a different perspective, claiming the couple had no issues and that Williams was focusing on circumstances from his past. The divorce documents also detailed Williams' distress over revelations regarding his criminal history and immigration status.