By Deborah Nnamdi
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a viral video that showed him driving recklessly and threatening to crash his car while livestreaming, an act that eventually led to a road accident on the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the arrest followed the circulation of a disturbing video recorded on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in which the 20-year-old content creator was seen driving while visibly distressed before crashing his vehicle.
According to the police, Peller’s conduct amounted to an alleged attempt to commit suicide and posed a serious threat to other road users. “The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained, for further investigation, Habeeb Hamzat, also known as ‘Peller’, following a viral video in which he was seen driving recklessly and live-streaming the incident that resulted in a dangerous road crash,” the statement said, adding that his actions endangered innocent lives.
The command disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation, noting that the outcome would be made public and the suspect charged before a court of competent jurisdiction in line with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, also warned social media influencers and the general public against using online platforms to promote or engage in dangerous behaviour, stressing that such conduct would not be tolerated and that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps has ordered the prosecution of the TikToker for multiple traffic violations. In a statement issued on Monday by its Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC said the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to commence prosecution, including for the use of a mobile phone while driving.
Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of dangerous road use by celebrities and content creators seeking online attention, noting that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms and that fame does not confer immunity from the law.
The crash occurred on Sunday while Peller was livestreaming on social media. The impact reportedly triggered the vehicle’s airbags and drew the attention of bystanders. He was subsequently hospitalized, though details of his medical condition have not been officially disclosed. The incident has since generated widespread public debate.
Peller had announced the purchase of a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV on December 6, 2025, just days before the crash.
The incident also coincided with confirmation of the end of his relationship with fellow TikTok content creator Amadou Elizabeth, popularly known as Jarvis. Jarvis confirmed the breakup amid mounting public speculation following the crash and reports of Peller’s emotional distress.
Addressing the public, Jarvis said the separation was necessary for healing and should not be misunderstood as abandonment. She described Peller as a “sweet guy” but said the relationship was over “for now” to allow space for personal growth and recovery.
While Peller is confirmed to have received medical attention, authorities say investigations into the crash and related offences are ongoing.
