Fast-rising Nigerian online streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, was reportedly intercepted and taken by unidentified gunmen while broadcasting live to viewers on Wednesday night, sparking widespread alarm among fans and fellow creators. Several short clips of the episode circulated online showing armed men stopping his vehicle, ordering him out and dragging him away as stunned viewers looked on.
According to early reports, the incident took place while Peller was returning from a night out; in footage from the stream he can be heard confronting the men about the weapon before being forced to comply. Social-media posts from close associates and fans quickly amplified the video and raised concerns that the 20-year-old content creator had been abducted.
Confusion followed the viral clips. Some outlets and online sources reported that the police intervened and rescued Peller the following morning, citing a colleague who said he had been found and was safe. Other reports stressed that official confirmation from the Nigeria Police Force was still pending as investigations continued.
Peller’s girlfriend and several content creators reacted on social platforms with messages of shock and prayer, while fans pleaded for accurate information and urged authorities to publish official updates. As with many rapidly circulating online incidents, commentators warned against speculation and encouraged waiting for verified statements from law enforcement.
The episode has revived broader concerns about the safety of influencers and public figures in Nigeria, where high-profile kidnappings — both criminal and politically motivated — have grabbed headlines in recent years. Security experts say livestreams and public routes can expose creators to risks, and they urged creators to adopt safer travel practices and for platforms to work on better real-time reporting tools for emergencies.
What we know so far:
Viral clips show Peller confronted by armed men and taken from his vehicle during a livestream on the night of 27 August.
Close associates and some news outlets later posted that he had been rescued and located; however, at the time of reporting not all sources had an official police statement confirming the rescue.
Authorities have been urged by fans and colleagues to provide clear, verifiable information about his status and the circumstances of the incident.
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