The Federal Road Safety Corps has initiated steps to prosecute popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a road traffic crash that occurred while he was live-streaming and driving.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, raised concerns over what he described as a growing trend of reckless road behaviour among celebrities, content creators, and social media influencers. He warned that such actions endanger lives and undermine national road safety efforts.
The warning followed the circulation of a video showing Peller engaging in a live TikTok session while driving, an act that reportedly led to a road traffic accident.
Reacting to the incident, Mohammed, in a statement signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, described the behaviour as unlawful and dangerous, stressing that it could have resulted in loss of lives.
He said the incident serves as a reminder that fame does not place anyone above the law or excuse dangerous conduct on public roads.
According to him, live streaming, content creation, recording, or any form of distraction while driving is a clear violation of traffic regulations and poses serious risks to both the driver and other road users.
Mohammed noted that such behaviour undermines ongoing national efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities across the country.
Consequently, he directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution against the individual involved for reckless driving, use of a phone while driving, and distracted driving, in line with existing traffic laws.
The corps marshal also called on professional bodies within the entertainment and creative industries to take responsibility for the conduct of their members. He urged actors’ guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks, and content creator communities to promote responsible behaviour and rein in excesses among their members.
He stressed that celebrities and influencers hold significant sway, especially among young Nigerians, and should be seen as ambassadors of road safety rather than symbols of recklessness.
Mohammed warned that the FRSC would not hesitate to enforce the law against anyone, celebrity or otherwise, found engaging in distracted or reckless driving.
“No social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” he said.
He further reminded motorists that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms but shared spaces governed by laws meant to protect lives.
The FRSC encouraged members of the public to report dangerous driving behaviours and reaffirmed its commitment to safer highways, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires discipline, restraint, and respect for the law by all road users.
