FRSC sends warning to celebrities, influencers over road misuse

News Update

Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed has warned celebrities, social media influencers and content creators to desist from alleged reckless road use, warning that fame does not place anyone above the law.

He gave the warning following a widely circulated video involving TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly called Peller, who was seen engaging in a live video stream while driving.

The unlawful act reportedly resulted in a road crash, an incident the Corps Marshal described as avoidable and potentially fatal.

A statement issued by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, warned against the abuse of live streaming, video recording, content creation or any activity that distracts drivers while on the road.

The statement noted that distracted driving constitutes a clear violation of traffic regulations and poses grave danger to the driver and other road users, adding that such actions undermine national efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities.

In response to the incident, the Corps Marshal has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to immediately commence all necessary procedures for the prosecution of the individuals caught for reckless driving, use of phone while driving and distracted driving, in line with existing traffic laws.

The FRSC boss also called on actors’ guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks and content creator communities to urgently call their members to order and promote responsible behaviour, particularly on Nigerian roads.

He stressed that celebrities and influencers wield significant influence, especially among young people, and must therefore be seen as role models and ambassadors of road safety rather than symbols of recklessness.

The Corps Marshal warned that the FRSC will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any offender, regardless of social status or public profile, emphasising that no social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life.

He further reminded Nigerians that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms but shared spaces governed by laws designed to protect lives. Road users were encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviours and support collective efforts to make Nigerian roads safer.

Reaffirming its mandate, the FRSC stated that road safety remains a shared responsibility that requires discipline, restraint and respect for traffic laws by all road users, without exception.