On the night of August 27, 2025, the Nigerian online community was thrown into chaos as reports surfaced that Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, a beloved TikTok streamer and content creator, was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified gunmen during a live broadcast. The shocking incident, captured in a viral video, has left fans, fellow creators, and netizens reeling, raising critical questions about the safety of online content creators and the risks associated with live streaming in volatile environments. This blog post delves into the details of the incident, Peller’s rescue, the public’s reaction, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s digital content creation landscape.
Who Is Peller?
Habeeb Hamzat, born on May 10, 2005, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is a 20-year-old Nigerian TikToker and streamer who has taken the internet by storm. Known for his sarcastic humor, high-energy style, and engaging live sessions, Peller has amassed thousands of followers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. His breakthrough came in 2023, with record-breaking livestreams, including one that garnered 76,000 views, making it the most-viewed stream in Africa at the time. Collaborations with Nigerian celebrities like Olamide and Dax, along with his comedy series Peller's Palava, cemented his status as a rising star. In 2024, he won the prestigious "Best Content Creator" award at the Trace Awards & Festival, a testament to his growing influence.
Peller’s journey from a small-town creator to a national sensation has been marked by resilience and creativity. Inspired by global streamers like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed, he has carved a niche with his authentic and unfiltered approach. However, his recent ordeal has cast a spotlight on the dangers faced by public figures in Nigeria’s increasingly digital landscape.
The Shocking Kidnapping: What Happened During the Livestream?
On the evening of August 27, 2025, Peller was livestreaming on TikTok while returning from a restaurant, a routine activity for the energetic creator who often shares his daily life with fans. According to viral footage, his car was suddenly stopped by unidentified men brandishing firearms. The chilling audio from the stream captured Peller’s voice as he confronted the gunmen, saying, “You dey carry gun, Ogun wan kill you? Calm down jor. Na who you come dey point gun for?” The gunmen responded aggressively, ordering him to exit the vehicle. Moments later, Peller let out a loud scream, and the stream abruptly ended, leaving viewers in a state of panic.
The video, which quickly went viral, showed no clear visuals of the gunmen’s faces, adding to the mystery and fear surrounding the incident. An aide who arrived at the scene shortly after found Peller’s car abandoned with his phone inside, intensifying concerns about his safety. Fellow TikToker Jidex Klothing later confirmed that Peller had been abducted while on his way back from buying food, stating, “He went to buy food, then on his way back home, those people told him to stop and he stopped. Luckily, he was even online.”
The incident sparked immediate outrage and concern across social media platforms, with fans and colleagues flooding X and Instagram with calls for swift police intervention. Hashtags like #SavePeller and #PellerKidnapped trended as netizens expressed fear for his life and demanded answers.
Peller Found Safe: A Sigh of Relief
In a dramatic turn of events, Peller was found safe on August 28, 2025, as confirmed by his colleague and fellow content creator Sandra Benede. In a video update, Sandra revealed that Peller was with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), though specific details about his rescue were not disclosed. The Nigeria Police Force was credited with his swift recovery, bringing immense relief to fans who had been anxiously awaiting updates.
Sandra’s announcement was met with widespread gratitude, with posts on X expressing joy and relief. One user, Dami’ Adenuga, shared, “Peller has been found, as confirmed by Sandra Benede after reports of his kidnap on stream yesterday.” However, the lack of official statements from Peller, his management, or the police has left some questions unanswered, fueling speculation about the circumstances of his abduction and rescue.
Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions and Heated Debates
The incident has ignited a firestorm of reactions online, ranging from relief to skepticism and criticism. While many fans expressed gratitude for Peller’s safety, others questioned whether the incident was genuine or a publicity stunt. Social media comments reflected this divide, with some users praising Peller’s resilience and others criticizing his behavior. One X user remarked, “Thank God, that guy should be careful. He should not be going around anyhow, and he should be controlling his mouth.” Another commented, “Mumu peller wey dey stream for mid night alone how f0lish can a man be?”
The controversy was further fueled by Peller’s past, including a viral video where he was seen hitting his girlfriend, Jarvis, which had previously drawn public ire. Some netizens speculated that his outspoken nature and late-night streaming habits might have made him a target, with one user noting, “Na for Lagos u wan Dey stream when everybody Dey hide their location they forget they have haters.” Others pointed to the broader issue of insecurity in Lagos, particularly in areas like Osapa and Chisco, where armed men are reportedly active at night.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of content creators. Many have criticized Peller for streaming late at night in an unsafe area, while others argue that the focus should be on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges rather than victim-blaming. The debate underscores the precarious balance between authenticity and safety for influencers who rely on real-time engagement to connect with their audience.
The Bigger Picture: Safety Concerns for Streamers in Nigeria
Peller’s kidnapping is not an isolated incident. The rise of digital content creation in Nigeria has brought both opportunities and risks. Streamers like Peller, who often broadcast their locations and daily activities, are particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks. This incident echoes other global cases, such as the murder of a Venezuelan TikToker in June 2025 and the death of French streamer Jean Pormanove in August 2025, both during livestreams.
Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, including frequent kidnappings and insurgent activities, exacerbate these risks. According to Amnesty International, rural and urban communities alike face persistent threats from armed groups, with authorities often struggling to respond effectively. The fact that Peller was rescued quickly is a rare positive outcome in a country where kidnapping for ransom is a growing menace.
This incident has prompted calls for stricter safety measures for content creators. Suggestions include avoiding real-time location sharing, collaborating with security experts, and raising awareness about digital safety. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram may also face pressure to implement features that protect streamers, such as location-blurring tools or emergency alerts.
The alleged kidnapping of Peller during a livestream is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by digital creators in Nigeria and beyond. While his safe return is a relief, the incident has sparked critical discussions about safety, responsibility, and the role of social media platforms in protecting their users. As Nigeria’s digital scene continues to grow, addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring that talents like Peller can thrive without fear.