TikTok streamer Peller during and after livestream that resulted in Lagos crash prompting FRSC prosecution. Image credit: Social media
LAGOS, Dec. 15 (Epicstorian News) —
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed it will prosecute popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, over reckless and distracted driving following a livestreamed incident after an emotional breakup, the agency said.
The FRSC outlined its decision after a viral video showed Peller driving along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos while broadcasting live and appearing visibly distressed before a crash.
FRSC highlights livestream crash details
In a statement issued on Monday, FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal and Public Education Officer Olusegun Ogungbemide said the crash occurred during a live broadcast in which Peller was seen using his phone and driving at the same time, violating traffic laws.
The FRSC said the livestream was emotionally charged and linked to a breakup the influencer was experiencing, a context widely discussed on social media and reflected in the video circulated online.
The statement noted the crash damaged Peller’s vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz, and that he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. At the time of publication, Peller’s medical condition has not been detailed publicly by health officials or his representatives.
FRSC response and legal directives
The corps highlighted that Peller will face prosecution for reckless driving, distracted driving and use of a phone while driving, measures the FRSC said are necessary to enforce traffic laws and deter similar conduct.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to begin the prosecution process and stressed that violating road safety regulations undermines efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities.
“Live streaming, content creation, recording or engaging in any activity that distracts a driver while driving is a direct violation of established road traffic regulations and poses grave danger not only to the driver but to other innocent road users,” the FRSC statement said.
Public reaction and calls for accountability
The incident sparked widespread concern across Nigeria, with many social media users condemning the behaviour and urging authorities to take action.
Some Nigerians on social platforms called for the police and the FRSC to revoke Peller’s driver’s licence entirely, citing a belief that the influencer was unfit to operate a vehicle following the emotional livestream and crash.
Critics also pointed out that the emotional distress evident in the live footage raised questions about the potential role of mental health and public safety standards for influencers broadcasting sensitive personal matters while engaging in risky behaviour.
Warnings to content creation communities
The FRSC’s statement included warnings aimed at entertainment associations, influencer networks and content creator communities to promote responsible conduct and discourage dangerous activities such as filming while driving.
Mohammed said that celebrities and influencers hold significant sway over public behaviour — particularly among youth — and should model safe conduct rather than recklessness.
“No social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” he said in the agency’s statement.
Context within broader road safety efforts
The FRSC operates under the Federal Road Safety Commission Act of 2007 and is responsible for road safety enforcement, education and accident prevention across Nigeria.
The agency has previously introduced measures like penalty point systems and mobile courts to hold errant drivers accountable, part of a broader strategy to curb Nigeria’s high rate of road traffic crashes.
Road traffic accidents remain a major cause of injury and death in Nigeria, prompting ongoing public safety campaigns and enforcement actions by the FRSC and other agencies.
Influencer and public safety dynamics
Peller, 20, has been one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising social media personalities, with millions of followers on TikTok and a large online presence prior to the crash.
His rise to prominence has included viral streams, collaborations with entertainers and a reputation for engaging content, but has also drawn scrutiny at times for his conduct on and off camera.
The crash and subsequent prosecution announcement reflect growing calls for accountability among public figures who influence large audiences, particularly when their actions intersect with public safety.
Legal experts say the FRSC’s prosecution will test how traffic laws apply to social media behaviour, particularly where distracted driving and public broadcasts are concerned.
If convicted, Peller could face penalties under Nigeria’s road safety regulations, which include fines and possible suspension of driving privileges for serious offences.
The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing road safety laws impartially and encouraged all motorists, irrespective of status, to obey traffic regulations.
