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Lagos-based TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, is facing a potential lawsuit after a woman accused him of defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy. The legal action, with damages valued at N395 million, was initiated by Osarobo Odigie, who claims the incident occurred at Folixxx Lounge in Lekki earlier this year.
The case came to light through a pre-action notice dated March 10, 2026, issued by Odigie’s lawyer, Bola Osineye of FA Garrick & Co. According to the notice, the encounter took place on January 6, 2026, when Odigie had visited the lounge to purchase food. While standing at the cashier area, she alleges that Peller’s loud and aggressive behaviour disrupted the environment and drew her into an unwanted confrontation.
“Our client was present at Folixxx Lounge… for the purpose of purchasing food. While standing at the counter/cashier area, our client was suddenly startled by your loud outburst directly behind her,” the legal document reads.
It further details that Peller allegedly approached Odigie and told her to “shut up.” When she requested that he moderate his behaviour in a public space, the influencer reportedly responded with verbal abuse, including offensive remarks in Yoruba. The lawyers allege that the confrontation escalated further when Peller allegedly recorded Odigie without her consent and shared the video across multiple social media platforms.
“You proceeded to escalate the situation by producing your mobile phone and using the same to record our client without her consent. You thereafter published the video on your Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms, causing public ridicule of our client,” the notice states.
Odigie’s legal team argues that the viral nature of the video, amplified by Peller’s large digital following, exposed her to public embarrassment, online harassment, and emotional strain.
“Our client has suffered significant emotional distress and has developed genuine fears for her safety. Owing to your substantial online presence and following as a streamer and public influencer, the video went viral almost immediately… triggering thousands of comments, many of which reiterated and amplified your defamatory remarks against her,” the document reads.
The claimant is seeking substantial damages, including N200 million for alleged defamatory publication, N100 million for emotional and reputational harm, N75 million for distress linked to cyberbullying and threats, and N20 million to cover legal expenses. Additionally, she demands the removal of the video from all platforms and a formal public apology issued by Peller both online and in two national newspapers.
“You are required to issue a clear, unequivocal, and public apology to our client across all platforms where the defamatory content was published,” the lawyers emphasised in the pre-action notice.
Although Peller had issued an apology on January 9, 2026, admitting that his actions were “out of character,” Odigie’s legal team maintains that further steps are necessary to address the matter fully. The notice warns that failure to comply within seven days will result in the filing of formal court proceedings.
“Should you fail, refuse, or neglect to comply… our client shall, without further recourse to you, institute appropriate legal proceedings against you,” the document concludes.
This development has sparked significant attention on social media, with users debating the responsibilities of public influencers and the legal implications of sharing videos of individuals without consent. Legal experts note that the case could set a precedent in Nigeria regarding online harassment and defamation, particularly involving social media personalities with large followings.
The outcome of this potential lawsuit could have major implications for online content creators, highlighting the importance of respecting privacy and exercising caution when interacting with members of the public.
With the clock ticking on the seven-day compliance window, all eyes are now on Peller to see whether he will meet Odigie’s demands or face legal action in the courts.
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#Cyberbullying
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