Crime
NAFDAC Arrests 40 Suspects, Cracks Down On Fake Drugs, Seals Over 11,000 Shops
NAFDAC Arrests 40 Suspects, Cracks Down On Fake Drugs, Seals Over 11,000 Shops
NAFDAC arrests 40 suspects, cracks down on fake drugs, seals over 11,000 shops. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its fight against fake and substandard medicines, shutting down more than 11,000 shops and apprehending 40 individuals across major drug markets in Nigeria.
The large-scale enforcement operation, which began on February 10, targeted the Idumota open drug market in Lagos, the Ariaria drug market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha.
These markets collectively supply over 80% of medications nationwide, making them key locations in the agency’s efforts to curb the circulation of falsified and unregistered drugs.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the crackdown had been meticulously planned for over a year as a covert operation.
She disclosed that the agency had successfully evacuated over 20 trucks of substandard drugs from Aba, at least 30 trucks from Onitsha, and 27 trucks from Idumota.
“We are winding down operations in Aba because we have almost completed the evacuation,” she stated. “The next phase involves inspecting individual shops to determine those operating legally and those that are not registered.”
So far, NAFDAC has sealed 4,000 shops in Onitsha, 3,027 in Lagos, and another 4,000 in Aba, with ongoing efforts to ensure full compliance.
Adeyeye noted that in Onitsha alone, only 20% of the enforcement work has been completed, emphasizing the need for thorough inspections as some traders, despite being genuine, are yet to register under the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN).
Acknowledging the security risks involved in the operation, the NAFDAC DG commended the National Security Agency (NSA) for deploying officers to safeguard the enforcement teams.
“Three years ago, our officers were nearly killed attempting a similar operation in Onitsha. This time, with the support of the NSA, we were able to conduct our duties without fear,” she said.
NAFDAC
According to her, 400 security officers were deployed in Onitsha, 350 in Aba, and over 250 in Lagos, ensuring the success of the crackdown.
NAFDAC’s latest action underscores its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only genuine and approved medications reach consumers.
The agency urges all pharmaceutical traders to comply with regulations to avoid severe penalties as the crackdown continues.
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
Kano NSCDC Nabs 11 Suspected Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons
Kano NSCDC nabs 11 suspected hoodlums with dangerous weapons. According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State command, says it has arrested a gang of 11 suspected hoodlums found in possession of dangerous weapons in Mariri, Kumbotso Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the command’s public relations officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.
He listed the suspects as Idris Muhammad,20, Abubakar Shuaibu,24, Sagiru Hassan Yusuf, 25, Idris Muhammad Morata, 25, and Anas Rabiu, 23.
Others were Yahaya Muhammad, 29, Khalid Idris, 28, Muhammad Adamu, 19, Muktar Auwal Muktar ,22, Salim Muktar, 18, and Saifullahi Nuhu,18.
According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, operatives of the command apprehended the suspects on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m, armed with dangerous local weapons.
NSCDC
“The gang was on a rampage after attending a local traditional festival in Mariri area and were attacking residents and dispossessing them of their belongings.
“The gang also stormed a nearby NSCDC outpost in Mariri, attacked and left a staff fractured in the office” he said
Idris-Abdullahi listed the items recovered to include six cutlasses, swords and a pair of scissors.
He added that the command’s intelligence and investigation department had concluded investigations and the suspects would be charged to court.
Idris-Abdullahi quoted the state commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding public peace in Kano State.
Lagos Police Nab 26 Over Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel
Lagos Police nab 26 over counterfeit currency, adulterated diesel. The police said N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The police command in Lagos has apprehended 26 suspects over counterfeit currency and adulterated diesel in the Eti-Osa and Lekki areas. The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
She said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation conducted by police officers and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline.
According to her, a total of N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The spokesperson said investigations revealed that four of the suspects were directly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated diesel and engine oil, locally known as ‘rice and beans’.
“The illicit product was sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area. Two other suspects were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products,” she said.
Police Arrests
Ms Adebisi said that police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh warned all criminally minded individuals to desist from their nefarious activities.
“CP Jimoh cautioned that anyone involved in acts that threaten public peace or economic stability will face the full weight of the law,” she said.
She assured residents that Lagos remains safe, reiterating that the command is in control of the security situation and has prioritised the safety and well-being of all residents.
She urged the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist the police in apprehending criminals and preventing crime.
“Public cooperation remains essential to sustaining the peace and security for which Lagos state is known,” she said.
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