How Secondary School Students Were Caught Smoking, Drinking in Hostel

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

The incident, which reportedly occurred in April 2025 at the boys’ hostel of the private school, resurfaced online this week, sparking outrage from parents and members of the public, who condemned the lack of supervision in schools.

Following the outcry, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to take over the probe from the Ejigbo Police Division, which had earlier invited the school’s principal for questioning.

In a statement on Thursday, the newly appointed Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the principal—who also owns the school—clarified that the students in the viral clip had already graduated. He, however, assured that the school was cooperating fully with investigators.

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

He added that the Command was treating the case with utmost seriousness because of its implications for discipline and morality within schools.

“The Command calls on all 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,” the statement read.

The police further warned that negligence by school owners and administrators would not be tolerated, stressing that minor disciplinary lapses could spiral into criminal activities if left unchecked.

“The police will not condone negligence on the part of school authorities. Every stakeholder has a responsibility to instil moral values and discipline in young people. Misconducts of this nature, if ignored, can snowball into bigger problems that disrupt peace in society,” Adebisi added.

While assuring that the outcome of the investigation would be made public, the police urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to collaborate with schools and law enforcement in raising responsible youths. Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious or disturbing activities in schools to the authorities.