The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Police Force has disclosed plans to question social media personalities Michelle Mukoro, popularly known as King Mitchy, and Martins Otse, also referred to as Very Dark Man (VDM), over a viral video in which they appeared to ingest a bleaching substance.
The development follows a February 28, 2026 TikTok livestream during which Mukoro was seen seemingly consuming bleach, triggering widespread alarm and public health concerns.
Shortly afterward, Otse carried out a similar act in a related video.
Several hours after the broadcast, Mukoro posted a message on Instagram claiming she was dead.
The claim was later debunked. The episode subsequently sparked a trend online, with some content creators using sachets of Hypo bleach to stage simulated suicide attempts in skits and short videos.
The trend has attracted strong criticism from members of the public, many of whom described it as disturbing and potentially dangerous, particularly to younger audiences on social media.
Calls have since intensified for authorities to address the situation to prevent further harmful imitation.
The controversy is believed to have stemmed from Mukoro’s public query regarding the utilisation of funds donated to Otse’s non-governmental organisation.
She maintained that she had independently financed and completed her own projects.
The disagreement escalated into a public exchange of accusations, during which Mukoro mentioned the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and Seyi Tinubu, among others.
Relevant legal provisions cited in discussions surrounding the matter include Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which prescribe up to one year imprisonment for attempted suicide.
Section 59 of the Criminal Code provides a three-year jail term for publishing false information capable of causing fear or disturbing public peace.
The law also stipulates life imprisonment for aiding another person to attempt suicide.
Confirming the police position, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr Miller Dantawaye, stated: “We are looking into it. I have spoken with my PRO on the matter. We will invite the duo soon.”
Meanwhile, Multipro Enterprise Limited, manufacturer of Hypo Bleach, has warned Nigerians against consuming the product.
The company’s Marketing Manager, Mr Adebayo Adeyemo, emphasised that the product is intended strictly for cleaning purposes.
“It is not something to consume for the sake of trends. We want to be clear that those circulating images are fabricated, that framing is false, and anyone encouraging others to consume Hypo, even as a joke or for views, is putting lives at risk,” the company said.
“To every influencer, blogger and content creator: your reach is real. So is your responsibility. A trend that ends in ill-health is not one worth starting.”
