By our correspondan
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered the prosecution of popular TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a road traffic crash linked to distract driving.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, raised the alarm over what he described as a growing culture of reckless behaviour among celebrities, social media influencers and content creators, warning that such conduct poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines national road safety campaigns.
The directive follows a widely circulated video in which Peller was seen engaging in a live video stream while driving—an action that reportedly resulted in a crash.
In a statement signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed described the act as unlawful and extremely dangerous, noting that it could have resulted in fatalities.
“Fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads,” the Corps Marshal said.
He stressed that live streaming, recording content or engaging in any activity that distracts a driver while behind the wheel is a direct violation of established traffic regulations and poses grave danger to both the driver and other road users.
According to him, such actions significantly undermine ongoing efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country.
Consequently, Mohammed directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution of the individual involved.
He said the charges would include reckless driving, use of a mobile 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, urging actors’ guilds, influencer networks and content creator communities to promote responsible behaviour on Nigerian roads.
Noting the strong influence celebrities wield, particularly among young Nigerians, Mohammed warned that they must be seen as ambassadors of road safety rather than symbols of recklessness.
He further cautioned that the FRSC would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual, celebrity or otherwise found engaging in reckless or distracted driving.
“No social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” he said.
