A Nigerian woman residing in the United Kingdom has shared how a simple language misunderstanding led to her arrest by the police.
In a TikTok video posted on Wednesday, she recounted how a casual phone conversation at a pharmacy—while picking up medication for her sick husband—unexpectedly triggered a police response.
“I was on the phone saying, ‘Ah, I got the drugs, I got two drugs for you. So, when I get home and you use it, you’re going to feel strong,’” she said.
Unknown to her, bystanders misinterpreted her use of the word “drugs” as referring to illegal substances, rather than prescribed medication.
In the UK, “drugs” often implies narcotics, whereas “medication” or “medicine” is the preferred term for prescribed or over-the-counter treatments.
“I wasn’t worried because I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong. But before I knew it, the police arrived,” she continued.
“They asked, ‘Where are the drugs?’ And I was confused, asking, ‘What drugs?’”
She explained that she was merely referring to fever medication for her husband, even showing the officers the packs of medicine she had purchased. However, her clarification did not immediately convince them.
“They took me to the police station, detained me, and questioned me. They didn’t release me until they had searched my house,” she said.
Frustrated by the ordeal, she remarked, “This Nigerian English is not just putting me in trouble, but in a big mess.”
The woman also promised to share a follow-up video showing the state of her home after the police search.
