By Ebenezer Mabinuola
A viral video showing a schoolgirl smoking what appears to be cannabis has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many assuming it was filmed in a local school. The clip, widely shared on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, shows the girl in uniform smoking while classmates cheer her on. The footage ignited debates about moral decline among Nigerian youths.
However, the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims linking the video to any Nigerian school. In a statement on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said investigations point to Zimbabwe as the likely origin.
“The individuals in the video are speaking English and Shona, a language mainly spoken in Zimbabwe,” Adejobi said. He added that there were no Nigerian languages or accents in the footage. Investigators also traced the original post to a Zimbabwe-based Instagram account, @rusape_celebs_tv, with a caption written in Shona.
The police urged the public to verify content before sharing, warning that misinformation can fuel panic and harm reputations. “We advise citizens to be cautious in sharing unverified content,” Adejobi said.
The incident highlights the growing impact of viral misinformation on public perception and social stability.
