The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to prosecute popular TikTok streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, over alleged reckless and distracted driving.
The decision follows a viral video showing the influencer live-streaming while driving, an act the FRSC said reportedly led to a road traffic crash. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
According to the statement, the Corps Marshal expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of traffic violations by celebrities and social media influencers seeking online engagement at the expense of public safety.
He noted that live streaming, recording, or creating content while driving constitutes a clear violation of traffic regulations and poses serious risks to motorists and other road users.
Consequently, the Corps Marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to commence prosecution of the TikTok streamer for reckless driving, use of a mobile phone while driving, and distracted driving, in line with existing traffic laws.
“This incident, which could have resulted in loss of lives, underscores the fact that fame does not confer immunity from the law or excuse dangerous conduct on public roads,” the statement said.
The FRSC further warned that public roads are not studios or performance spaces, stressing that such actions undermine national efforts to curb road crashes and fatalities.
The Corps Marshal also called on entertainers’ guilds, influencer networks, and content creator communities to promote responsible behaviour among their members.
“Celebrities and influencers have a strong impact on young Nigerians and must act as ambassadors of road safety, not symbols of recklessness,” he added.
The FRSC reiterated that it would apply the full weight of the law against anyone found engaging in dangerous or distracted driving, regardless of social status.