Police probe viral video of students smoking, drinking in Lagos school

The Lagos State Police Command has begun a full-scale investigation into a viral video showing students of Excel College, Ejigbo, Lagos, smoking, drinking and dancing in a school hostel.

The incident, which reportedly took place in April 2025 at the boys’ hostel of the private school, resurfaced online this week, provoking outrage among parents and members of the public who criticised the lack of supervision in schools.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to take over the probe from the Ejigbo Police Division, which had earlier invited the school principal for questioning.

Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Thursday, said the principal, who also serves as the proprietor of the school, confirmed that the students in the viral video had already graduated.

Adebisi said, “The Commissioner of Police has directed the SCID to take over the case for a comprehensive investigation. The principal, who is also the proprietor of the school, was invited, and he clarified that the students in the viral video had already graduated. Nonetheless, the school is cooperating fully with investigators to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this incident are properly addressed.”

He noted that the police were treating the matter seriously because of its potential implications for discipline and morality within schools.

The Command calls on all secondary school authorities, both public and private, as well as parents and guardians, to take proactive steps in properly supervising and guiding their children and wards,” Adebisi added.

The police further warned that school owners must not overlook disciplinary lapses that could degenerate into criminal activities.

“The police will not tolerate negligence on the part of school authorities. Every stakeholder has a responsibility to instil the importance of good behaviour, moral values, and social discipline in young people. Misconducts of this nature, if left unchecked, can snowball into bigger problems that disrupt the peace of society,” the statement said.

While confirming that investigation was ongoing, Adebisi assured that the outcome would be made public.

He said, “The Command remains steadfast in ensuring peace, security, and orderliness across Lagos State. We encourage parents, guardians, and community leaders to work hand in hand with schools and the police to raise responsible youths who will contribute positively to society.”

The police appealed to members of the public to continue reporting suspicious or disturbing activities in schools to the authorities.