Public reactions have continued to trail the decision of the Lagos State Police Command to detain popular TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a reckless driving incident that ended in a car crash during a live stream on December 14.
Across social media platforms, many Nigerians have applauded the police action, describing it as timely and necessary to protect public safety. Commentators argue that Peller’s conduct went beyond youthful exuberance or content creation, insisting that driving at high speed while live streaming posed a serious threat to other road users.
Several netizens have urged the police to ensure a thorough investigation and to pursue the case without sentiment. They believe the incident should serve as a warning to influencers who flout traffic laws in the pursuit of online attention and financial gain.
One user, identified as @n6oflife6, praised the police for acting decisively, saying the influencer’s behaviour was reckless and endangered lives. The user added that detention was justified and suggested that professional evaluation might be necessary, stressing that such conduct should not be excused because of fame.
Another commentator, @Rgameryer, called for full prosecution, warning that similar acts of recklessness have claimed lives in the past. According to the user, live streaming dangerous activities for profit makes the offence even more troubling and should attract stiff penalties, including possible jail time and loss of income.
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Others focused on the broader implications for content creation in Nigeria. @Amacgreebomate noted that while content creation is a legitimate profession, it does not confer special privileges. The user compared influencer activities to film productions, which require permits and safety precautions, and stressed that public roads are shared spaces governed by law.
Legal consequences were also highlighted by @Estherofgrace, who outlined possible offences under Nigerian law, including reckless driving, endangering lives and the use of a mobile phone while driving, all of which carry prison terms, fines or both. The user emphasized that Nigeria is not a lawless society and that consequences follow when laws are broken.
Echoing this sentiment, @Bisiriru expressed hope that the police would follow through on the case to set a clear example. According to the user, accountability should apply equally to celebrities and ordinary citizens, adding that visible enforcement would deter others from similar violations.
As investigations continue, the Lagos State Police have reiterated their commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring that public roads remain safe for all users, regardless of status or social media following.
