Popular TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has been granted ₦500,000 bail by a Lagos Magistrate Court after he and his associate, Bello Oladipo, were arraigned over allegations of obstructing police officers during an official operation.
The duo appeared before the court on charges filed by the Lagos State Police Command, where they both pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Following their plea, the court admitted them to bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each.
Court Sets Bail Conditions
As part of the bail conditions, the magistrate directed each defendant to provide two sureties, one of whom must be a blood relative.
The court also ordered the defendants to submit two years’ tax clearance certificates before the bail conditions could be fully perfected.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until August 11, when proceedings are expected to continue.
How the Incident Happened
The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on July 2 along Coastal Road in Lekki, Lagos.
According to the police, officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Peller because it allegedly had no registration number plates.
Peller reportedly explained that the vehicle had been newly purchased.
However, police officers insisted that he accompany them to the police station for further inquiries.
Recording the Encounter
According to the prosecution, the situation escalated after the TikTok creator began recording the interaction with his mobile phone.
Police subsequently accused Peller and his associate of interfering with officers while they were carrying out their lawful duties.
The charges include:
- Obstructing police officers
- Resisting lawful duties
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace
Peller’s Version
Following the incident, Peller accused the officers of acting aggressively during the encounter.
The Lagos State Police Command rejected those allegations, maintaining that its officers acted within the law and that the charges were based on the conduct observed during the operation.
The court will determine the merits of the case as the trial progresses.
Case Adjourned
With bail now granted, Peller and Bello Oladipo are expected to return to court on August 11, when the matter comes up for further hearing.
The outcome of the proceedings is likely to attract significant public attention given Peller’s popularity on TikTok and other social media platforms.
