THE DARK SIDE OF CLOUT CHASING!

Habeeb Hamzat a.k.a Peller

Clout-chasing on social media is nothing new, we’ve all seen TikTokers do crazy stunts for views but every now and then, someone takes it too far and it becomes more than content.

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Habeeb Hamzat, Lagos Tiktok star also known as Peller, went live with a video he called RIP Peller and what was supposed to be just another online stunt quickly turned into one of the most shocking livestreams anyone had seen. The 20-year-old drove recklessly while crashing his car straight into a stone barrier, leaving his car badly damaged.

Not His First Close Call

If you think this was a one-off, you’re wrong, lol, back in August, Peller was carried away by armed men while livestreaming, a moment that already highlighted the dangerous mix of fame and online attention in his life, and somehow, he survived that, just as he survived this crash.

The fact that he survived that doesn’t mean it’s safe and these repeated encounters with danger show how chasing clout can push people to the edge.

The Police stepped in

This time, the Lagos State Police didn’t hesitate, Peller has been arrested for attempted suicide and reckless driving and the State Criminal Investigation Department is now investigating? Influencers and content creators have also been reminded that Lagos streets are not stages, that reckless stunts can hurt not only you but everyone around you, and that no number of likes, views, or shares is worth a hospital bed or worse.

Mental Health Matters

Beyond the crash, the livestream highlighted a deeper issue. Concerns have been raised about the mental health of young influencers and how the constant pressure to stay viral, to entertain and to never disappear from the public eye can sometimes push people into extreme situations.

Peller’s livestream was not just reckless; it was also a cry for attention and help, showing how stressful and isolating life online can be, especially for someone so young trying to juggle fame, personal life and public expectations all at once.

The Price of Clout

Social media can be addictive and fame can feel urgent, but some mistakes have consequences that go far beyond a viral clip. Peller survived the crash, but the distorted car and the hospital visit are reminders that online stunts carry real-world costs, and that your life is far more valuable than any amount of clout.

This isn’t just about reckless driving; it’s about understanding the weight of actions, the dangers of living for views, and the limits of attention-seeking.

A Wake-Up Call

At the end of the day, Peller’s “RIP Peller” livestream is more than a viral moment; it’s a wake-up call about mental health, influencer culture and the dark side of chasing clout, a reminder that fame should never come at the expense of your safety or the safety of others and that sometimes surviving a stunt doesn’t mean you’re out of danger.

Clout may be sweet, but your life is sweeter, and if there’s anything to take from this terrifying livestream, it’s that content can wait, but life can’t.