The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to celebrities, social media influencers, and content creators over reckless driving, following a widely circulated video of popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, engaging in a live video stream while behind the wheel. The incident reportedly resulted in a road traffic crash.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed deep concern about the growing trend of distracted driving among public figures, noting that such behaviour endangers lives and undermines national road safety efforts.

“This serves as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads,” Mohammed said in a statement released Monday and signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide.

He emphasized that “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.”

Following the incident, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC has been directed to commence prosecution proceedings against the individual involved, citing violations including reckless driving, use of a phone while driving, and distracted driving under extant traffic laws.

Celebrities Must Lead by Example

The FRSC further called on professional bodies and entertainment industry associations—actors’ guilds, influencer networks, and content creator communities—to ensure their members uphold responsible behaviour on Nigerian roads. Mohammed highlighted that celebrities wield significant influence, particularly among young Nigerians, and urged them to act as ambassadors of road safety rather than symbols of recklessness.

“Public roads are not studios, stages, or streaming platforms,” the Corps Marshal reminded motorists, stressing that “no social media content, online trend, or momentary clout is worth a human life.”

Opinion: Fame Comes With Responsibility

The Peller incident underscores a critical lesson: influence carries responsibility. While social media offers fame and engagement, the price of negligence on public roads can be catastrophic. In a country where road traffic crashes claim thousands of lives annually, public figures must recognize the impact of their actions beyond likes and views.

The FRSC’s decisive stance should serve as both a warning and a call to reflection for influencers and celebrities. Responsible behaviour, adherence to traffic laws, and awareness of the shared nature of roads are not just legal obligations—they are moral imperatives.

As Nigerians, whether famous or not, it is imperative to remember that public roads demand focus, discipline, and mutual respect. After all, no viral moment can replace a life lost.