The Federal Road Safety Corps has announced plans to prosecute popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, over allegations of reckless and distracted driving following the circulation of a viral video showing him live streaming while behind the wheel.
The development comes after the video, which gained widespread attention on social media, reportedly showed the influencer engaging with his online audience while driving, an action the agency said led to a road traffic crash. The incident has sparked renewed concern over the growing culture of unsafe driving practices among social media personalities and public figures.
The FRSC expressed strong concern over what it described as an increasing pattern of traffic violations by celebrities, influencers and content creators who prioritize online engagement over road safety. According to the Corps, the act of live streaming, recording videos or using mobile devices while driving is a clear breach of traffic regulations and poses serious danger not only to the driver but also to passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
The agency stressed that distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of road traffic crashes and fatalities, noting that activities such as filming, reading comments, or responding to viewers while driving significantly reduce a driver’s attention and reaction time. It warned that such behaviour could result in devastating consequences, including loss of lives and destruction of property.
Following the incident, the Corps Marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Command to immediately initiate prosecution in line with existing traffic laws. The alleged offences include reckless driving, use of a mobile phone while driving, and other forms of distracted driving as stipulated under Nigerian road traffic regulations.
The FRSC emphasized that no individual, regardless of social status, popularity or online following, is above the law. It noted that public recognition or celebrity status does not grant immunity from legal consequences, especially when actions on the road endanger lives.
The Corps further stated that public roads are not entertainment venues or content creation spaces, warning that turning highways into studios for social media engagement undermines national efforts to curb road traffic crashes and reduce fatalities. It added that such conduct sends the wrong message to young people, many of whom look up to influencers as role models.
In a broader call to action, the FRSC urged actors’ guilds, entertainment bodies, influencer groups and digital content creator communities to take responsibility by educating their members on road safety and encouraging compliance with traffic laws. The agency stressed that celebrities and influencers hold significant sway over public behaviour and should use their platforms to promote safety rather than risky conduct.
The Corps Marshal reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws without fear or favour, warning that anyone found engaging in reckless or distracted driving would face the full weight of the law. He stressed that no social media trend, viral moment or pursuit of online popularity is worth risking human lives.
The FRSC concluded by urging all motorists to remain focused while driving, obey traffic regulations and prioritize safety at all times, noting that responsible road use is a shared duty essential to protecting lives and maintaining order on Nigerian roads.
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