Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at WengGlobal
Popular Nigerian TikToker and livestreamer, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has spoken publicly about what he described as a traumatic four-day stay in police custody, claiming he neither ate nor bathed throughout most of his detention.
The 21-year-old social media personality shared details of his experience shortly after regaining his freedom, revealing that the incident has changed his outlook on life and made him more cautious about his actions.
Peller was arrested last Friday in the Lekki area of Lagos following an encounter with police officers over a vehicle reportedly driven without a number plate and fitted with tinted windows. The incident, which was captured in viral videos circulating on social media, sparked widespread public debate over police conduct and the responsibilities of public figures.
Speaking via his Snapchat account after his release, Peller disclosed that the experience was unlike anything he had ever faced.
“I am ugly now, I can’t show my face yet. Omo, I slept in cell for almost four days. It has never happened to me before in my life,” he wrote.
The content creator further claimed that he went through the entire period without eating or bathing.
“I no chop for four good days, I no bath,” he said.
According to Peller, fellow detainees recognized him almost immediately after he was brought into the cell and jokingly referred to him as “001.” Despite the unusual reception, he said he kept to himself throughout his detention and avoided unnecessary conversations.
The TikToker also alleged that some individuals attempted to make his stay in detention more difficult, but expressed gratitude that he was eventually released safely.
Before his arrest, videos shared online showed Peller arguing with police officers during a roadside stop. In the footage, he accused officers of harassment and alleged that one of them pointed a gun at his head while another pulled his shirt before taking him into custody. He maintained that the vehicle involved had only recently been purchased.
Authorities subsequently arraigned Peller alongside Bello Oladipo before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge bordering on obstruction of police officers, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and conspiracy to commit a felony. The court later granted him bail in the sum of โฆ500,000, ending his four-day detention while legal proceedings continue.
Following his release, Peller indicated that the experience had served as a major lesson, saying he now intends to avoid situations that could place him in conflict with law enforcement.
He noted that his attention is now focused on preparations for his planned wedding, adding in a lighthearted remark that he hopes to live more carefully after marriage.
The incident has generated mixed reactions across social media. While many supporters welcomed his release and expressed sympathy over his account of detention, others argued that motorists are expected to comply with traffic and vehicle registration regulations irrespective of their public status. Some commentators also urged celebrities and influencers to remain calm during encounters with security agencies and pursue legal channels where they believe their rights have been violated.
Legal analysts say the case once again highlights the delicate balance between enforcing road traffic laws and ensuring that citizens’ constitutional rights are protected during arrests and detention. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for professionalism, restraint, and accountability during police operations, while emphasizing that all suspects remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
As the legal process continues, Peller’s account has reignited conversations about conditions in detention facilities, police-civilian interactions, and the growing influence of social media personalities whose encounters with law enforcement often attract nationwide attention.
Neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the court handling the matter has publicly responded to Peller’s specific allegations that he was denied food or access to bathing facilities during his detention. The case remains before the court.
The outcome of the proceedings is expected to draw significant public interest, particularly among Nigeria’s digital content creation community, where Peller has built a substantial following through his livestreams and online entertainment content.
Sources
Punch Newspapers
The Sun Nigeria
Legit.ng
