A Lagos-based woman, Osarobo Odigie, has commenced legal action against popular TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, demanding N395 million in damages over allegations of defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy.
In a pre-action letter dated March 10, 2026, the claimant’s lawyers from FA Garrick & Co., through Bola Osineye, outlined the circumstances that led to the dispute and warned that legal proceedings would commence if their demands are not met within seven days.
Incident at Lekki Lounge
The dispute stems from an encounter that reportedly occurred in the early hours of January 6, 2026, at Folixxx Lounge.
According to the legal letter, Odigie had visited the lounge to purchase food and was standing near the cashier area when she was startled by what her lawyers described as a loud outburst from Hamzat, who was nearby.
The lawyers alleged that the influencer then approached her in an aggressive manner and told her to “shut up.” When Odigie asked him to moderate his behaviour in a public space, the situation reportedly escalated.
The letter claimed Hamzat responded with verbal abuse, including what the claimant described as derogatory remarks and curses in Yoruba.
Alleged Recording and Online Publication
Beyond the verbal exchange, the claimant’s legal team alleged that Hamzat recorded the confrontation using his mobile phone without Odigie’s consent.
According to the lawyers, the video was subsequently posted on several social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and shared via WhatsApp, where it quickly spread among the influencer’s large online audience.
The claimant maintains that the publication subjected her to public ridicule, online harassment, and reputational damage.
Claims of Emotional Distress
Odigie’s legal representatives further stated that the viral video triggered thousands of reactions online, many of which allegedly repeated or amplified the comments made in the clip.
They said the incident caused their client significant emotional distress, reputational harm, and fears for her personal safety as cyberbullying and threats allegedly followed the video’s circulation.
N395m Compensation Demand
As part of the pre-action demands, the claimant is seeking a total of N395 million, broken down as follows:
- N200 million as compensation for alleged defamatory publication
- N100 million for emotional trauma and reputational damage
- N75 million for distress linked to cyberbullying and threats
- N20 million to cover legal costs
In addition to the financial claims, the lawyers are demanding the immediate removal of the video from all platforms and a public apology from Hamzat. The apology, they said, must be posted on the influencer’s social media accounts and published in two national newspapers.
Earlier Apology
The development comes weeks after Hamzat reportedly issued a public apology on January 9, acknowledging that his reaction during the incident was out of character.
However, the claimant’s legal team insists that further steps must be taken to address the alleged harm caused by the viral video.
They warned that if the influencer fails to comply with the demands within the stipulated seven-day period, Odigie will proceed with formal legal proceedings against him in court.