The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral reports suggesting that popular comedian and TikTok influencer, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, was kidnapped.
On Thursday morning, social media went into a frenzy after a video circulated online showing armed men dragging the entertainer out of a vehicle. The clip quickly sparked fears that Peller had fallen victim to kidnappers.
However, in a swift reaction, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the incident was misrepresented.
“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 said in a statement.
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According to him, police officers have already spoken with Peller, who is “at home safe and sound.” He stressed that all of Peller’s belongings, including his vehicle and mobile phones, are intact, and that nothing was stolen in the course of the incident.
The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to establish the true nature of what transpired in the viral footage.
“The outcome of our investigation will determine our next line of action,” Hundeyin added.
The statement has since calmed growing fears, though authorities cautioned the public against spreading unverified reports that could incite panic.