The Lagos State Police Command has debunked widespread fears of a kidnapping involving popular Nigerian TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, confirming that the entertainer is “safe and not abducted.”
Social media went into a frenzy in the early hours of Thursday after a viral video showed Peller being forcefully dragged from his vehicle by armed men, with many speculating that he had been kidnapped. The clip, which quickly trended on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter), captured the content creator in a heated altercation with men around a white minibus.
In the footage, Peller was heard questioning why the men were pointing a gun at him before being pulled away. The live stream abruptly ended, sparking panic and fueling rumors that the TikToker had been whisked away by suspected kidnappers.
The incident generated a wave of concern among fans and Nigerians online, many of whom called for urgent intervention from security authorities.
Reacting to the viral speculation on Channels TV, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, dismissed the kidnapping claims, insisting that the situation had been “blown out of proportion.”
His words:
“The viral story of TikTok influencer Peller being kidnapped is not true. He is safe. There was an incident, but it was not a case of kidnapping as being peddled online. We advise the public to always verify information before sharing.”
Hundeyin further clarified that Peller was never abducted, stating that initial investigations revealed the entertainer was safe at home with all his belongings intact.
He added:
“We are investigating the allegation, but we can confirm that the person in question, Habeeb, popularly known as Peller, is at home safe and sound. His vehicle is intact, all his phones and properties are with him, and nothing is missing. The outcome of our investigation will determine our next line of action.”
The clarification by the police has since calmed fears online, although the incident has sparked fresh conversations about misinformation on social media and the dangers of sharing unverified content.
