LASU prank video sparks outrage as the university condemns the staged stunt that caused panic on campus

Lagos State University has condemned a viral prank video in which young men dressed as extremist fighters stormed the campus, causing panic among students.

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The footage, posted by Datreez Entertainment TV and titled “Bandits Prank on Lasuites”, captured individuals wearing turbans and desert-style clothing linked to terrorist groups.

A behind-the-scenes clip showed the participants dressing up before driving recklessly into a crowd while a camera operator filmed student reactions.

The stunt circulated at a time of heightened concern following recent school attacks in Niger and Kebbi States, compounding public anxiety.

By Thursday, checks showed the content had been removed from the creator’s page, though a copy remained online through a collaborator.

Datreez Entertainment International issued an apology on Sunday, insisting the production was fully staged and involved only voluntary participants.

The group said it had not intended to cause fear and acknowledged Nigeria’s sensitive security climate. It tendered an unreserved apology to the university.

The incident ignited backlash among student content creators who complained that the uproar had triggered stricter scrutiny on campus. Popular creator Anuoluwapo said in a TikTok video that security officers had begun seizing phones and tripods, warning that the actions had pushed creative students backwards. Others, including creators identified as Tush Agbero and Temmytayo GP, expressed similar frustrations.

Lagos State University distanced itself from the recording in a statement signed by Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Relations Thomas-Onashile Oluwayemisi.

The institution said it neither approved nor authorised the stunt and strongly rejected acts that portray banditry, terrorism or violent extremism. It urged students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to university security.

The episode has intensified discussion on how to balance creative expression with campus safety. Lagos State University, long known for its lively community of digital creators, now faces renewed pressure to safeguard its academic environment while addressing rising concerns.

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The debate echoes an earlier decision in October by the University of Lagos, Akoka, which prohibited unauthorised filming on campus to prevent misrepresentation and protect academic spaces.