The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered the prosecution of popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, for reckless and distracted driving during a live video stream that reportedly led to a road traffic crash.
The directive was issued by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who expressed concern over the growing trend of unsafe road behaviour by celebrities, content creators, and social media influencers.
Unlawful and Dangerous Act
In a statement signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed described Peller’s action—live-streaming while driving—as unlawful and dangerous, noting that it posed a serious threat to public safety.
“Live streaming, content creation, recording, or engaging in any activity that distracts a driver while driving is a direct violation of established traffic regulations and poses grave danger not only to the driver but to other innocent road users,” the Corps Marshal said.
He stressed that fame does not exempt anyone from the law, warning that “no social media content, online trend, or momentary clout is worth a human life.”
Prosecution Ordered
Mohammed directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution against Peller for the following offences:
- Reckless driving
- Use of a mobile phone while driving
- Distracted driving
Under Nigerian traffic laws, the use of a phone while driving—even hands-free—is prohibited due to its distracting nature, with penalties ranging from fines to possible imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence.
Call to Entertainment Industry
The FRSC boss also called on entertainment industry bodies, including actors’ guilds and influencer networks, to take responsibility for the conduct of their members.
He warned that celebrities must be “ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness,” adding that the FRSC would strictly enforce traffic laws.
The Corps reiterated that it “will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual, celebrity or otherwise,” found guilty of reckless or distracted driving.
