Popular Nigerian TikTok creator Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of obstructing police officers, resisting arrest and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Peller appeared before the court alongside his associate, Bello Oladipo, following an incident that allegedly occurred on July 2 along the Coastal Road in Lekki, Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command filed a three-count charge against the duo, who both pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
How the Incident Happened
According to the police, officers stopped Peller while he was driving a vehicle that allegedly had no registration number plates.
Police said the content creator explained that the vehicle had only recently been purchased. However, officers reportedly directed him to accompany them to the police station for further verification.
The situation allegedly escalated during the encounter.
According to the prosecution, Peller resisted officers carrying out their lawful duties and recorded the interaction on his mobile phone, an action the police claim contributed to the disturbance.
Peller’s Version of Events
Peller has given a different account of what happened.
According to him, he cooperated with the officers after explaining that the vehicle was newly acquired.
He alleged that the situation became tense after he began recording the encounter, claiming one of the officers grabbed his shirt and pointed a firearm at him.
The Lagos State Police Command has disputed those allegations.
Charges Before the Court
The prosecution accused Peller and Oladipo of:
- Conspiracy to resist public officers.
- Obstructing police officers while carrying out lawful duties.
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Both defendants denied the charges when they appeared before the magistrate.
Court Grants Bail
The court granted each defendant ₦500,000 bail.
The bail conditions include:
- Two sureties for each defendant.
- One surety must be a blood relative.
- Evidence of two years’ tax clearance.
The matter has been adjourned until August 11 for further proceedings.
Case Continues
The case is expected to return to court in August, where both the prosecution and defence will present further arguments.
As legal proceedings are ongoing, the allegations against Peller remain before the court, and no finding of guilt has been made.
