The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained popular social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a viral video showing him driving recklessly and crashing his vehicle during a live-stream.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and made available to the Media, the arrest followed widespread public outrage over the incident, which occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
The police said Peller’s actions posed a serious threat to public safety and required immediate intervention.
“The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained, for further investigation, Habeeb Hamzat, also known as ‘Peller,’ subsequent to a viral video that surfaced online on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in which he was seen driving recklessly, leading to a dangerous road crash while the incident was being live-streamed, thereby endangering his life and that of other road users,” the statement read in part.
Describing the act as extremely dangerous, the command noted that the behaviour could have resulted in fatal consequences for both the suspect and innocent members of the public.
“His action constitutes a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and endangers the lives of other innocent people,” the statement added.
The police disclosed that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
“The matter is currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and the suspect will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a strong warning to social media influencers, content creators, and the general public against using online platforms to engage in or promote reckless and unlawful conduct.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns social media influencers, content creators, and members of the public to desist from using social media platforms to engage in or promote reckless, dangerous, or criminal acts,” the statement noted.
He stressed that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated and assured residents that the command remained committed to enforcing the law without fear or favour.
The incident has reignited public debate over the growing trend of risky stunts by content creators in pursuit of online engagement, with many Nigerians calling for stricter enforcement to deter similar acts.
Road traffic crashes remain a major public safety concern in Lagos, with authorities attributing many accidents to speeding, distracted driving, and disregard for traffic regulations. The police have reiterated that anyone found culpable in actions capable of endangering lives will be prosecuted, regardless of social status or online influence.
