Lagos State Police have arrested prominent social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a widely circulated video that depicted him driving dangerously and subsequently crashing his vehicle during a live-streamed event. The arrest, confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, came on Tuesday after significant public outcry erupted over the incident, which occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Authorities emphasized that Hamzat’s actions posed a severe threat to public safety, necessitating immediate and decisive intervention from law enforcement.

The viral footage showed Hamzat engaged in highly irresponsible driving practices, pushing his vehicle to extreme limits while broadcasting the perilous act to his online audience. This perilous display culminated in a severe road crash, an event that unfolded in real-time before thousands of viewers. The incident quickly sparked widespread condemnation across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing shock and anger over the blatant disregard for traffic regulations and human life.

In an official statement, the Lagos State Police Command detailed the gravity of the situation, asserting that Peller’s conduct went far beyond mere recklessness. SP Adebisi highlighted that the influencer’s actions were not only dangerous to himself but also gravely jeopardized the lives of other innocent road users. The police communiqué specifically described the act as “extremely dangerous,” underscoring the potential for fatal consequences that such irresponsible behaviour could easily incur.

Following his apprehension, the case was promptly transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Police authorities have assured the public that the outcome of this probe will be made transparent and public, with Hamzat facing charges in a court of competent jurisdiction in strict accordance with Nigerian law. This move signals the command’s firm resolve to ensure accountability for actions that endanger the public.

Reacting strongly to the incident, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a stern warning directed at social media influencers, content creators, and the general public. CP Jimoh unequivocally stated that exploiting online platforms to engage in, or promote, reckless, dangerous, or unlawful and criminal acts would no longer be tolerated. He stressed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law rigorously, without fear or favour, to maintain peace and safety.

This high-profile arrest has reignited a critical public debate concerning the escalating trend of risky stunts undertaken by content creators in their relentless pursuit of online engagement and viral fame. Across Nigeria, there is a growing chorus of voices demanding stricter enforcement of existing laws and the implementation of new measures to deter similar dangerous acts. The incident underscores the complex interplay between digital influence, personal responsibility, and public safety in the modern era.

The ethical implications of live-streaming dangerous activities for entertainment or monetary gain have come under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that such acts not only set a poor example but also normalize hazardous behaviour, potentially encouraging impressionable younger audiences to emulate these life-threatening stunts. This raises significant questions about the moral obligations of influencers and the broader impact of their content on societal norms and values.

Nigerian traffic laws and criminal codes already provide frameworks to address reckless endangerment and dangerous driving. The police’s swift action in Peller’s case serves as a clear indication that these laws will be applied with full force, especially when public safety is overtly threatened. Authorities aim to send an unambiguous message that the pursuit of online notoriety does not grant immunity from legal accountability.

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring public peace and safety across the metropolis. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for severe, even fatal, consequences when traffic regulations are flouted and individuals prioritize online spectacle over the well-being of themselves and others. Compliance with road safety rules is paramount for the collective security of all citizens.

CP Jimoh further urged all road users to comply strictly with traffic regulations, emphasizing that such adherence is fundamental to preventing avoidable tragedies. The command’s robust response to Hamzat’s actions underscores a broader strategy to curb lawlessness, particularly in the digital sphere where dangerous acts can be amplified and normalized with alarming speed. This incident is expected to serve as a significant deterrent.

The arrest and subsequent investigation into Habeeb Hamzat’s actions are poised to have a lasting impact on how social media content creation is perceived and regulated within Nigeria. It highlights the urgent need for a societal dialogue on the responsibilities that accompany digital influence and the boundaries that must be respected to safeguard public welfare. The outcome of this case will likely shape future enforcement strategies.

As the investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department continues, the Lagos State Police Command maintains its stance on zero tolerance for reckless and dangerous conduct. The incident involving Peller stands as a critical juncture, reinforcing the message that no individual, regardless of their online status, is above the law when it comes to actions that imperil the lives of others. Public safety remains the ultimate priority.

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Keywords: Habeeb Hamzat Peller, Lagos Police arrest, reckless driving influencer, viral live-stream crash, social media content creator safety, Nigeria traffic laws enforcement, public safety Lagos, SCID investigation influencer