The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has expressed serious concern over what he described as a growing culture of reckless road behaviour among celebrities, content creators and social media influencers, warning that such actions put lives at risk and undermine road safety efforts nationwide.
His warning followed a viral video involving popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, who was seen livestreaming while driving. The incident reportedly led to a road traffic crash, sparking widespread reactions online.
Reacting in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed described the act as unlawful and extremely dangerous, noting that it could easily have resulted in loss of lives. He stressed that the incident should serve as a wake-up call, adding that fame does not place anyone above the law.
According to the FRSC boss, livestreaming, recording content or engaging in any distracting activity while driving is a clear violation of traffic regulations and poses serious danger to both the driver and other road users. He said such behaviour directly undermines national efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities.
Mohammed disclosed that he has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution against the individual involved. The charges, he said, would include reckless driving, use of a phone while driving and distracted driving, in line with existing traffic laws.
He also called on professional bodies within the entertainment industry to take responsibility for the conduct of their members. According to him, actors’ guilds, influencer networks and content creator communities must promote responsible behaviour and discourage unsafe practices on Nigerian roads.
The corps marshal noted that celebrities and influencers wield strong influence, especially among young Nigerians, and warned that they must be seen as role models for safety rather than symbols of recklessness. He further cautioned that the FRSC would not hesitate to enforce the law against anyone found endangering lives, regardless of status or popularity.
“No social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” Mohammed said, reminding motorists that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms but shared spaces governed by laws meant to protect everyone.
He encouraged Nigerians to report dangerous driving behaviours and support collective efforts to make the roads safer, reaffirming the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring safer highways through discipline, restraint and respect for traffic laws by all road users, without exception.
