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.
Portable Released After A Week In Police Detention In Ogun
Portable released after a week in police detention in Ogun. Portable, the controversial singer, has regained his freedom after spending a week in police custody.
On January 12, the singer was arraigned before a court in Ota, Ogun State, on charge including assault, theft, causing harm and resisting arrest.
He was also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at N12 million.
The court denied him bail after the police officer involved in the case was absent.
Portable
Portable is back after nine days behind bars and already teasing new music, I’m betting Zlatan is his first target pic.twitter.com/zbhifbEoHN
In a now-viral video, Portable is seen surrounded by his associates, who celebrated his return and repeatedly welcomed him back.
SSS Arrests Former-AGF Malami After Release From Kuje Prison
SSS arrests former-AGF Malami after release from Kuje prison. The SSS did not respond to media men’s inquiry concerning Mr Malami’s arrest on Monday.
Nigeria’s State Security Service has arrested the federation’s former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, shortly after he was released from Kuje Prison after fulfilling his bail conditions.
Mr Malami was earlier remanded in Kuje prison following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside his wife and son, for alleged corruption.
A Federal High Court last Wednesday granted Mr Malami, his wife, and his son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties each.
However, SSS operatives arrested Mr Malami’s son, Abdulaziz at Kuje Correctional Centre last Friday after he was released from prison following the fulfillment of his bail conditions.
Abubakar Malami
There are indications that Mr Malami is being probed by the SSS on allegations relating to national security concerns.
The SSS did not respond to Peoples Gazette’s inquiry concerning Mr Malami’s arrest on Monday.
However, a trending video on X showed the moment of Mr Malami’s arrest by the SSS.
SSS Amends Charge Against Sowore In Alleged Cyberstalking
SSS amends charge against Sowore in Alleged Cyberstalking. The SSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, shortly after the case was called for commencement of trial.
The State Security Service, on Monday, amended the criminal charge it filed against Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, and co-defendants over an alleged false claim against President Bola Tinubu.
The SSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, shortly after the case was called for commencement of trial.
Mr Kehinde then pleaded that the two-count amended charge be read to Mr Sowore, who is the sole defendant in the fresh charge.
SSS Amends Charge Against Sowore
Though Mr Sowore, X, and Meta (Facebook) Inc. were earlier named as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively, in the amended charge, the names of the second and third defendants were dropped.
Counsel to Mr Sowore, Marshal Abubakar, did not oppose Mr Kehinde’s application that the charge be read to his client for him to take his plea.
After the counts were read to Mr Sowore, he pleaded not guilty.
Mr Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, is being charged for alleged cyberstalking of Mr Tinubu using his X handle and Facebook page.
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