How I Got Arrested for Saying ‘Drugs’ Instead of ‘Medications’ – Nigerian Woman in UK

A Nigerian woman living in the United Kingdom, identified as @shakels95 on TikTok, has shared her shocking experience of being arrested over a misunderstanding caused by differences in language use.

According to her, the incident occurred when she visited a pharmacy to purchase medication for her husband. While on the phone with him, she casually mentioned that she had “gotten the drugs” without realizing the phrase could be misinterpreted.

Unbeknownst to her, people nearby overheard the conversation and assumed she was referring to illegal substances. Shortly after, police arrived at the scene and took her into custody.

In a video recounting the ordeal, she explained, “I got arrested last night and got detained. I went to the pharmacy to get some drugs for my husband. When I was done, I was on a call, saying, ‘I got the drugs, I got two drugs for you. When you use it, you will feel strong.’”

She added that people around her reacted upon hearing the word “drugs,” but she did not initially think much of it. Moments later, law enforcement officers confronted her and insisted they had received a report about “drugs.” She tried to clarify, showing them the medications—Ibuprofen—for her unwell husband, but her explanation was not immediately accepted.

The situation escalated when the police detained her at the station and even conducted a search of her home to verify their suspicions.

“They took me to the police station. They detained me. They asked me questions…” she said.