Popular Lagos-based TikTok star and livestreamer, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has issued a heartfelt public apology following a disturbing car crash incident that occurred during a live broadcast. In a video shared from his hospital bed, Peller took full responsibility for his actions and made a passionate plea for the public to stop bullying his associate, Jarvis.
An Emotional Apology from the Hospital
In the video posted on his Instagram page on Friday, December 19, 2025, Peller appeared lying on a hospital bed, speaking directly to his followers. The content creator admitted that his emotions overpowered him, leading to the reckless actions captured on live stream. "I am sorry for everything I have done. Please, I am truly sorry. I allowed my emotions to get the best of me, and that is why I acted the way I did. I did not mean for things to turn out this way," he stated remorsefully.
He specifically addressed the online attacks directed at Jarvis, firmly stating she was not at fault. "Please do not bully Jarvis. She is not the problem. It's me," Peller emphasized, adding, "Please forgive me. I am very sorry, and I did not do it intentionally." In the caption accompanying the video, he disclosed he was receiving medical care and promised a return after treatment: "I'm sorry, Nigerians... for now I am on medication, once I'm done with my medication I will be online."
The Disturbing Incident on Lekki-Epe Expressway
The apology comes after a highly publicized event on Sunday, December 14, 2025. During a live TikTok broadcast titled 'RIP Peller' on the Lekki–Epe Expressway, the influencer crashed his newly purchased Mercedes-Benz. The livestream showed Peller in a visibly distressed state, engaged in an emotional phone conversation reportedly with Jarvis amid breakup speculations.
Viewers heard alarming statements including, "I will use this car and have an accident right now," and later, "I'm scared. I'm scared." At another point, he was reported to have said, "If you leave me, people will mock me… Thank you, I'm going to kill myself," before driving off and colliding with a stone barrier. Bystanders rushed to assist him before he was taken to a hospital, and subsequent images showed the vehicle sustained extensive damage.
Legal Repercussions and Broader Conversations
The Lagos State Police Command responded to public outrage by arresting and detaining Peller for reckless driving. The police condemned his actions as extremely dangerous and transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
This incident has sparked significant debate across Nigeria, reigniting critical conversations on several fronts:
- Mental Health Pressures: The intense emotional distress displayed by Peller has highlighted the mental health challenges faced by individuals in the public eye, particularly content creators.
- Dangerous Online Trends: It has drawn attention to the growing trend of risky stunts and emotionally charged performances used by some creators to generate online engagement and viewership.
- Social Media Responsibility: Many Nigerians are calling for greater accountability and responsibility from both content creators and the social media platforms that host them, questioning the limits of content meant for entertainment.
The case of Peller serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of actions performed for an online audience and the complex interplay between digital fame, personal well-being, and public safety.
