A Lagos-based woman, Osarobo Odigie, has commenced legal proceedings against popular TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, demanding N395 million in damages over alleged defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy linked to a viral incident at a Lekki lounge.
In a pre-action letter dated March 10, 2026, her legal representatives outlined claims that the influencer’s conduct during the encounter, as well as his subsequent actions online, caused her serious reputational damage and emotional distress.
The claimant’s lawyers, from FA Garrick & Co., stated that the incident occurred in the early hours of January 6, 2026, at Folixxx Lounge in Lekki, Lagos, where Odigie had gone to buy food.
According to the account presented, she was abruptly disturbed by a loud outburst from Hamzat, who allegedly confronted her and told her to “shut up.” When she reportedly asked him to lower his tone in a public space, the situation escalated, with the content creator said to have responded with verbal abuse, including the use of Yoruba curses.
The legal team further alleged that Hamzat went on to film the altercation without Odigie’s consent and shared the footage across several social media platforms, including Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok and Instagram.
The video reportedly spread rapidly online, attracting widespread attention and exposing the claimant to public ridicule, while also amplifying what her lawyers described as defamatory remarks made during the incident.
In the letter, Odigie’s lawyers maintained that the viral nature of the video intensified the impact on their client, exposing her to cyberbullying, threats, and emotional trauma. They stated that the claimant now lives in fear for her safety due to the scale of attention the incident attracted, noting that Hamzat’s large online following contributed significantly to the rapid spread and amplification of the content.
As part of her demands, Odigie is seeking N200 million as compensation for the alleged defamatory publication, N100 million for emotional trauma and reputational damage, and N75 million for distress linked to cyberbullying and threats.
An additional N20 million is being requested to cover legal expenses incurred in pursuing the matter.
Beyond the financial claims, the claimant is also requesting the immediate removal of the video and any related content from all social media platforms. She further demands that Hamzat issue a clear and unequivocal public apology, to be published across his social media accounts as well as in two national newspapers, acknowledging the alleged harm caused by his actions.
The legal representatives warned that failure to comply with these demands within seven days of receiving the letter would result in the commencement of formal legal proceedings without further notice. They stressed that the action would be pursued to its full extent if the matter is not resolved within the stipulated timeframe.
Although Hamzat had earlier issued a public apology on January 9, admitting that his reaction during the incident was out of character, the claimant’s legal team insists that the apology does not sufficiently address the damages allegedly suffered.
The case has since drawn attention to issues surrounding digital conduct, privacy rights, and the legal consequences of content shared on social media platforms in Nigeria.
