Popular Nigerian TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has issued a public apology following a controversial confrontation with a woman at a restaurant in Lagos. The apology, made on January 9, 2026, came three days after the incident which drew significant criticism online.
The Heated Confrontation at the Eatery
The clash occurred on January 6, 2026, at a Lagos eatery. According to Peller's initial account, the woman, later identified as Noma Odigwe, complained about his noise level and allegedly called him an illiterate. This remark reportedly triggered an angry outburst from the content creator.
In a video recorded during the incident, Peller was seen hurling insults at the woman, questioning her education, and targeting her family. He used derogatory language, including calling her a prostitute, and vowed to return to school to avoid such insults in the future.
Conflicting Accounts and the Public Apology
However, Noma Odigwe disputed Peller's version of events in a subsequent Instagram post. She stated that she never called him illiterate or irritating but had simply moved away from the area due to the noise, which then prompted his aggressive reaction. Odigwe described the encounter as bizarre and accused Peller of fabricating statements.
Facing a wave of online backlash, Peller released an apology video on January 9. Addressing the lady as "princess," he expressed sincere regret, stating his reaction was out of character. He explained that he was caught off guard by criticism in a physical setting, unlike the online hate he typically encounters.
"That girl that I met in that food place that we exchanged some words... I'm so sorry. I am very sorry... God no shame you," Peller said in the video. He clarified the encounter happened off-stream and was sparked by her remark about his loudness.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The apology elicited a wide range of reactions from social media users and public figures. While some commended Peller for taking responsibility, others felt the apology was unnecessary or insufficient.
Media personality Solomon Buchi strongly condemned Peller's initial behaviour, describing it as clear harassment and labelling it "stupidity and illiteracy given a platform."
Netizens were divided in their opinions:
- @ty_autos argued: "Now I am pissed with him, u don't apologise to people that provoke u when u did not provoke them first."
- @Ounjemiladan commented: "He shouldn't have apologised to the lady who provoked him at the restaurant."
- @HuncleVick offered a different perspective: "You want to know the truth, the said lady never lied. I saw the video, and I can honestly say the boy is a young brute who lacks manners."
The incident also brought Peller's earlier announcement about his educational plans back into focus. He had previously stated his intention to attend university to study arts, citing his poor English skills as a barrier to communicating with international stars like DDG and iShowSpeed.
This public clash and its aftermath highlight the intense scrutiny faced by online personalities and the powerful role of social media in shaping public accountability.
