In recent weeks, viral videos appearing to show Nigerian influencers drinking a bleaching product known as Hypo have sparked widespread debate across TikTok, Instagram, X and Facebook. What began as a controversial livestream quickly developed into a widely shared online trend, drawing responses from product manufacturers, health professionals, law enforcement authorities and thousands of social media users.

The incident first attracted attention when Nigerian influencer Michelle Mukoro, known online as King Mitchy, appeared to drink a bleaching substance marketed as Hypo during a TikTok livestream. Shortly afterwards, a social media post circulated claiming that she had died. The claim spread widely before it was later clarified that she was alive and that the report of her death was false.

Prime Care Hospital, which had been mentioned in relation to the alleged incident, issued a statement saying the influencer had never been admitted or treated at the facility. The hospital stated that the claims circulating online were inaccurate and warned about the spread of misinformation on social media.

The situation gained further attention when Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan or VDM, became involved in the online controversy. VDM, a Nigerian influencer known for commentary on social and political issues, posted videos in which he appeared to mimic drinking a bleaching substance. In another video, he staged a mock burial for himself before later reappearing online and dismissing reports of his alleged death.

Hypo household chemicals and public health concerns

The Hypo bleach referenced in the videos is a household cleaning product manufactured by Multipro Enterprise Limited. Following the circulation of the videos, the company released a public statement warning against the ingestion of the product.

According to the company, Hypo bleach is formulated strictly for external cleaning and disinfecting purposes. The marketing manager stated that any portrayal of the product as a drink or consumable substance in online videos was fabricated and potentially dangerous. The company also warned that ingesting bleach or similar cleaning chemicals can cause serious harm to the body.

Health experts have consistently cautioned that bleach contains strong chemical compounds designed to remove stains and disinfect surfaces. When swallowed, such chemicals can damage tissues in the mouth, throat and digestive tract and may result in severe poisoning or other life-threatening complications.

In response to the viral trend, the Abuja Police Command said it would invite both King Mitchy and VDM for questioning over the bleach-drinking videos circulating online. Under Nigerian law, attempted suicide and the publication of false information can attract penalties under relevant provisions of the Criminal and Penal Codes.

How viral trends spread online

The trend did not remain limited to the original videos. In the days that followed, other social media users began posting similar content, using Hypo sachets or staging bleach-drinking skits in what appeared to be parody or imitation. Memes and reaction videos soon circulated widely across different digital platforms.

Social media trends often spread quickly when they involve dramatic or shocking visuals. Content that provokes strong reactions tends to receive higher engagement, which can lead to wider distribution through platform algorithms.

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Nigeria has one of Africa’s most active social media populations, with millions of users turning to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X and Facebook daily for entertainment, news and conversation. In such an environment, unverified claims or sensational videos can gain significant traction within a short period.

The situation involving VDM and King Mitchy also highlights how quickly misinformation can circulate online. Early claims about King Mitchy’s reported death spread widely before they were later corrected through statements from the hospital and other sources.

Although many online trends are created for entertainment, the imitation of risky behaviour seen in viral videos can raise safety concerns, particularly when household chemicals are involved. Public health experts have repeatedly warned that ingesting cleaning products such as bleach can cause severe poisoning and other serious medical complications.

Cynthia Nwanonyiri