The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised alarm over what it described as the rising trend of reckless road use by celebrities and social media influencers, warning that such behaviour endangers lives and weakens ongoing road safety campaigns.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, issued the warning following a viral video showing popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, live-streaming while driving—an act that reportedly led to a road traffic crash.
In a statement signed on Monday by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed described the conduct as unlawful and highly dangerous, stressing that fame does not place anyone above the law.
He said engaging in live streaming, content creation or phone use while driving violates traffic regulations and poses serious risks to both the driver and other road users, while also undermining national efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities.
Consequently, the corps marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution against the individual involved for reckless driving, use of a phone while driving, and distracted driving, in line with existing traffic laws.
Mohammed also called on entertainment industry bodies, influencer networks and content creator communities to promote responsible behaviour among their members, noting that celebrities have strong influence over young Nigerians.
He warned that the FRSC would strictly enforce traffic laws without regard to status, adding that no social media content or online trend is worth a human life.
Reiterating that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms, the corps marshal urged motorists to obey traffic laws and encouraged the public to report dangerous driving, reaffirming the FRSC’s commitment to safer highways nationwide.