Multipro Enterprise Limited, makers of Hypo Bleach, has cautioned Nigerians against the dangerous trend of consuming bleach for online clout, following a viral controversy involving content creators King Mitchy and VeryDarkMan.
In a statement released on Sunday, the company’s Marketing Manager, Adebayo Adeyemo, stressed that Hypo is strictly a cleaning product and should never be ingested under any circumstance.
Describing Hypo as Nigeria’s leading bleach brand, the firm explained that the product is formulated to remove stains, whiten fabrics, deodorise and eliminate 99.9 per cent of germs not for drinking.
“It is not a beverage and should never be consumed, whether for trends or for entertainment,” the statement emphasised.
The company said it had noticed disturbing videos and AI-generated images circulating online that falsely portrayed Hypo as a drink. It described the content as fabricated, misleading and potentially deadly.
“We want to be clear: those images are fake, the narrative is false, and anyone encouraging others to consume Hypo — even as a joke or for views — is putting lives at risk,” the statement added.
Multipro also appealed to influencers, bloggers and digital creators to use their platforms responsibly, reminding them of the impact their content can have on young audiences.
“Your reach is real. So is your responsibility. A trend that could end in ill-health is not worth starting,” the company warned.
Addressing young Nigerians directly, the firm urged them not to bow to peer pressure. “You do not have to prove anything to anyone — online or offline. If someone dares you to try this, that is not a challenge. It is harm.”
The company further encouraged individuals facing emotional distress to seek help from trusted adults, counsellors or healthcare professionals, stressing the importance of prioritising mental health.
The warning comes after a heated online exchange between King Mitchy and VeryDarkMan spiralled into a dangerous spectacle.
The dispute reportedly began when Mitchy criticised VeryDarkMan over school renovation projects, claiming she completed a renovation within six days and challenging him to provide N50 million to fix four schools. She also alleged that he questioned the source of her business funds and made inappropriate insinuations about her character.
In an attempt to defend her reputation, Mitchy shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation purportedly with the Ooni of Ife, who allegedly praised her efforts.
The controversy took a dramatic turn during a TikTok livestream when Mitchy appeared to drink a substance said to be bleach, triggering panic and widespread rumours that she had taken her own life. Social media platforms were flooded with speculation before her management later dismissed reports of her death.
The situation escalated further when VeryDarkMan posted a separate video showing him taking a substance from a Hypo sachet, which many interpreted as a response to the unfolding trend.
Since then, several online creators have reportedly mimicked the act in skits and videos, using Hypo sachets to simulate suicide attempts — a move that has drawn outrage from parents, activists and concerned citizens.
Many Nigerians have described the trend as deeply disturbing and potentially harmful, urging authorities to take action against individuals promoting such content, especially given its possible influence on younger social media users.
Multipro ended its statement with a call for safer digital engagement: “Let’s keep social media fun, but safe,” accompanied by the hashtag #HypoForASaferTomorrow.