The Abuja Police Command has said it will invite Michelle Mukoro, popularly known as King Mitchy, and Martins Otse, also known as Very Dark Man (VDM), for questioning over a viral video in which they appeared to drink a bleaching substance.

On February 28, 2026, Mukoro appeared to consume a bleach substance during a TikTok livestream, sparking alarm and prompting public health concerns. Moments later, Otse carried out a similar stunt.

A few hours after the incident, Mukoro posted on Instagram that she was dead, a claim later proven to be false. The development triggered a wave of imitation, with some online content creators using Hypo sachets to simulate suicide attempts in skits and videos.

The trend has drawn criticism from concerned citizens, who described it as disturbing and dangerous. Many Nigerians called on the authorities to take action, citing the potential impact on young social media users.

The controversy reportedly began when Mukoro questioned how funds donated to Otse’s non-governmental organisation had been utilised, while asserting that she had completed projects with her own resources. The exchange escalated, with both parties trading accusations. During the dispute, Mukoro mentioned the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and Seyi Tinubu, among others.

Under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide attracts up to one year imprisonment. Section 59 of the Criminal Code provides that anyone who publishes false news with intent to cause fear or disturb public peace is liable to three years imprisonment. The law also prescribes life imprisonment for aiding another person to attempt suicide.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Miller Dantawaye, said: “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, warned Nigerians against consuming the product.

The company’s Marketing Manager, Mr Adebayo Adeyemo, emphasised that Hypo Bleach is strictly for cleaning purposes and not for consumption.

“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.” (The Guardian)