The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced that it will prosecute popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, over allegations of reckless and distracted driving.
The move follows a viral video showing the influencer livestreaming while behind the wheel, an action the FRSC said allegedly led to a road traffic crash. The development was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
According to the statement, the Corps Marshal expressed serious concern over the rising trend of unsafe driving among celebrities and social media influencers who, in pursuit of online attention, disregard traffic laws and put lives at risk. He emphasised that livestreaming, recording, or creating content while driving is a clear violation of traffic regulations and endangers both motorists and other road users.
As a result, the Corps Marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to immediately begin legal action against the influencer for reckless driving, use of a mobile phone while driving, and distracted driving, in accordance with existing traffic laws.
“This incident, which could have led to loss of lives, underscores the fact that fame does not place anyone above the law or excuse dangerous conduct on public roads,” the statement noted.
The FRSC boss further warned that highways are not venues for content creation, stressing that such behaviour undermines national efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities. He also urged actors’ guilds, entertainment bodies, influencer groups, and content creator communities to caution their members and promote responsible road use.
“Celebrities and influencers have significant influence, especially over young Nigerians, and must serve as champions of road safety rather than examples of recklessness,” he said.
The Corps Marshal reiterated that the FRSC would apply the full force of the law against anyone found engaging in distracted or reckless driving, regardless of social status.
“No online trend, viral moment, or social media clout is worth a human life,” the statement added.
