The Federal Road Safety Corps has moved to prosecute popular TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, after a video surfaced online showing him livestreaming while driving, an action that culminated in a traffic accident.
The directive was issued by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, who reacted to the viral footage through a statement released on Monday and signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
Mohammed voiced serious concern over what he described as an emerging pattern of dangerous conduct on Nigerian roads, particularly by celebrities, influencers and online content creators seeking engagement at the expense of public safety.
The statement came in response to the circulation of a video in which the streamer was seen driving in a visibly distressed state while engaging viewers during a live broadcast. The incident ended in a crash that deployed the vehicle’s airbag and attracted assistance from people nearby.
According to the FRSC, the behaviour captured in the video constitutes a clear breach of traffic regulations and represents a significant threat to other road users who had no part in the act.
As a result, the Corps Marshal instructed the Lagos State Sector Commander to “immediately activate all necessary processes for the prosecution of the individual involved for reckless driving, use of phone while driving, and distracted driving, in accordance with extant traffic laws.”
Mohammed stressed that celebrity status offers no protection from legal consequences, stating that, “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 appealed to actors’ guilds, entertainment bodies, influencer circles and online creator communities to take responsibility for guiding their members toward safer conduct, noting the strong influence such figures wield, especially among young Nigerians.
“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 said, warning that no online trend or digital popularity justifies the risk to human life.
The Corps Marshal also reminded citizens that highways are not content studios, urging motorists to comply with traffic laws and to report reckless behaviour whenever it is observed.
Reaffirming its mandate, the FRSC said it remains committed to improving road safety nationwide, emphasising that safer roads depend on collective responsibility, discipline and strict adherence to the law, without exceptions.
Meanwhile, online discussions have continued around the incident, with some social media users linking it to personal issues involving another content creator, Jarvis. These claims have not been confirmed and were not mentioned in the official FRSC statement.
What you should know
The FRSC’s action against Peller highlights the agency’s growing focus on distracted driving, especially involving mobile phones and live streaming.
Under Nigerian traffic laws, using a phone while driving is an offence that attracts prosecution and penalties. The Corps has repeatedly warned that social media influence does not place anyone above the law and that reckless driving remains a major cause of road accidents and fatalities.
The case also reflects broader concerns about the impact of influencer culture on road safety, particularly among younger drivers who may imitate risky behaviour seen online.
