By Suleiman Abdulmumin
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of reckless road use by some celebrities, content creators and social media influencers who, in the quest for online attention, deliberately flout traffic regulations and endanger lives.
The Corps Marshal’s reaction follows a widely circulated video involving a popular TikTok streamer, Mr. Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, who was seen engaging in a live video stream while driving an unlawful and highly dangerous act that culminated in a road traffic crash. The incident, which could have resulted in loss of lives, serves as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.
He categorically stated that live streaming, content creation, recording or engaging in any activity that distracts a driver while driving is a direct violation of established road traffic regulations and poses grave danger not only to the driver but also to other innocent road users. Such actions undermine ongoing national efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities.
In line with this position, the Corps Marshal has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to immediately activate all necessary processes for the prosecution of the individual involved for reckless driving, use of phone while driving and distracted driving, in accordance with extant traffic laws.
The Corps Marshal therefore calls on actors’ guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks and content creator communities to urgently rein in their members and promote responsible conduct, particularly on Nigerian roads. Celebrities and influencers wield enormous influence, especially among young Nigerians, and must be seen as ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness.
He warned that the FRSC will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual celebrity or otherwise found engaging in distracted or reckless driving. No social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life.
The Corps Marshal further urged all road users to understand that public roads are not studios, stages or streaming platforms. They are shared spaces governed by laws designed to preserve lives. Nigerians are encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviours and support collective efforts toward safer roads.
FRSC remains resolute in its mandate to ensure safer highways and reiterates that road safety is a shared responsibility that demands discipline, restraint and respect for the law by all, without exception.