The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Muhammed, 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.

His reaction trails a viral video of popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, who was seen engaging in a live video stream while driving. This action, which culminated in an accident, was described by the Corps Marshal as “unlawful and highly dangerous.”

In a statement signed by his assistant, Olusegun Ogungbemide, he noted 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 road users.

He added that such actions undermine ongoing national efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities.

To this end, the Corps Marshal has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to prosecute the individual involved, Peller, for reckless driving, use of a cellphone while driving, and distracted driving in accordance with extant traffic laws.

The Corps Marshal called on Actors Guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks, and content creator communities to recruit their members and promote responsible conduct, particularly on Nigerian roads. Celebrities, he said, must be seen as ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness.

He warned that the FRSC would 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 human life,” he said.

The Corps Marshal reiterated that public roads are not studios, stages, or streaming platforms. “Instead, they are shared spaces governed by laws designed to preserve lives. Nigerians are encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour and support collective efforts towards safer roads,” he stated (THISDAY)

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