The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered the prosecution of popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a viral video that showed him livestreaming while driving—an act that culminated in a road crash.
The directive was issued by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who expressed serious concern over what he described as a growing pattern of reckless behaviour among celebrities, content creators, and social media influencers. The statement, signed on Monday by the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, condemned the dangerous conduct, warning that the pursuit of online attention must not come at the expense of public safety.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, shows the streamer visibly distressed while driving and simultaneously engaging in a live broadcast. The situation reportedly ended in a crash that deployed the vehicle’s airbags and attracted the intervention of bystanders.
According to the FRSC, the act constitutes a clear violation of traffic regulations and posed a serious risk to other road users. Consequently, the Corps Marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to “immediately activate all necessary processes for the prosecution of the individual involved for reckless driving, use of a phone while driving, and distracted driving, in line with extant traffic laws.”
Emphasising that celebrity status does not place anyone above the law, Mohammed stated:
“This incident, which could have resulted in loss of lives, serves as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.”
He further called on actors’ guilds, entertainment bodies, influencer networks, and content creator communities to instil discipline among their members, noting that public figures wield considerable influence, particularly over young people.
“The FRSC will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual—celebrity or otherwise—found engaging in distracted or reckless driving,” the statement added. “No social media trend or online clout is worth a human life.”
The Corps Marshal also reminded Nigerians that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms, urging motorists to obey traffic laws and report dangerous driving behaviours when observed.
Reaffirming its commitment to road safety, the FRSC stressed that safer highways require collective responsibility, discipline, and respect for the law—without exception.
Meanwhile, social media speculation has continued over the circumstances surrounding the incident, including unverified claims linking it to a personal dispute involving another content creator, Jarvis.
