The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained a 20-year-old social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, over an alleged attempt to commit suicide following a viral incident of reckless driving.
According to the command, Peller was arrested after a video surfaced online on Sunday, showing him driving recklessly while livestreaming on social media, an act which resulted in a dangerous road crash and serious motor accident.
Peller, who was alone in his newly purchased Mercedes-Benz, appeared emotionally distressed during the livestream, speaking on the phone—reportedly with his girlfriend, Jarvis—amid speculations of a breakup.
During the broadcast, he was heard saying, “I will use this car and have an accident right now,” followed by, “I’m scared. I’m scared.”
In another moment, he reportedly stated, “If you leave me, people will mock me… Thank you, I’m going to kill myself.”
The video showed the influencer driving off before crashing his vehicle into a stone barrier along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, causing significant damage.
He was subsequently hospitalised after the incident.
The police said the suspect’s actions endangered not only his own life but also those of other road users, describing the act as a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and a serious breach of public safety.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
She said the outcome of the investigation would be made public, after which the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“His action constitutes a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and endangered the life of other innocent people.
“The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The outcome of the investigation will be made public and the suspect will be charged to the court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law,” Adebisi said.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, cautioned social media influencers, content creators, and members of the public against using digital platforms to engage in or promote reckless, dangerous, or unlawful acts capable of causing loss of life or a breach of public peace.
He stressed that such conduct would not be tolerated, warning that the full weight of the law would be applied to offenders.
The command also urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, reiterating its commitment to public safety and the maintenance of peace across Lagos State.
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