The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has raised alarms about a troubling trend of reckless road use among some celebrities, content creators, and social media influencers, warning that such behavior poses significant risks to lives and undermines road safety initiatives.
This warning came after a widely circulated video featuring popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, who was seen live-streaming while driving. This incident reportedly led to a road traffic accident.
In response, Mohammed issued a statement, signed by corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Monday, calling the act both unlawful and dangerous, highlighting that it could have resulted in the loss of lives.
He remarked, “This incident serves as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.”
Mohammed emphasized 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 to other innocent road users.”
He further noted that such actions undermine national efforts to reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities.
Consequently, he has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to initiate prosecution against the individual involved, stating the charges would be for “reckless driving, use of phone while driving, and distracted driving, in accordance with extant traffic laws.”
Additionally, the corps marshal urged professional bodies and organizations within the entertainment industry to take accountability for their members’ conduct.
He called on Actors Guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks, and content creator communities to manage their members and advocate for responsible behavior on Nigerian roads.
Mohammed pointed out that celebrities and influencers have a considerable impact, especially among young Nigerians, and stressed that they “must be seen as ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness.”
Warning of firm enforcement, the corps marshal indicated 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.”
He insisted that “no social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” and reminded motorists that “public roads are not studios, stages or streaming platforms,” characterizing them as shared spaces governed by laws aimed at preserving lives.
Mohammed encouraged Nigerians to report dangerous driving behaviors and join in collective efforts to enhance road safety.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to safer highways, asserting that road safety is a shared responsibility that demands discipline, restraint, and respect for the law from all road users, without exception.
