The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to prosecute popular TikTok streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a road traffic crash linked to distracted driving.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of reckless road use among celebrities, content creators and social media influencers, warning that such behaviour endangers lives and undermines national road safety efforts.

The warning followed a viral video showing Peller engaging in a live video stream while driving, an act the FRSC said reportedly resulted in a crash.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed described the act as unlawful and dangerous, noting that it could have led to loss of lives.

“The incident serves as a grim reminder that 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, content creation or any activity that distracts a driver while driving is a direct violation of traffic regulations and poses serious risks to both the driver and other road users.

According to him, such conduct also undermines ongoing efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country.

Mohammed 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.

He also called on professional bodies within the entertainment industry, including actors’ guilds, influencer networks and content creator associations, to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and promote responsible behaviour on Nigerian roads.

The corps marshal noted that celebrities and influencers wield significant influence, especially among young Nigerians, and warned that they must serve as ambassadors of safety rather than symbols of recklessness.

Reiterating the FRSC’s zero-tolerance stance, Mohammed said the corps would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against anyone found engaging in reckless or distracted driving, regardless of status.

“No social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” he said, reminding motorists that public roads are shared spaces governed by laws designed to protect lives.

He encouraged Nigerians to report dangerous driving behaviours and support collective efforts to make highways safer. (The Nation)

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