On Friday, June 7, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) arraigned three suspects in Kano’s Federal High Court for making and distributing fraudulent children’s medicines.
The suspects/respondents are Amao Gideon, Alumona Godwin Okwiludili, Hillary Onah Paul Chigozie, and Giddyson Healthcare Limited.
When the case was presented in court on Friday, prosecution counsel Oche Matthias Abutu, representing the federal government on behalf of the federation’s attorney general, charged them with five counts of manufacturing fake medicines, possession, distribution, and sale of falsified medicines.
Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, DG/CEO of NAFDAC, who was represented by NAFDAC’s Kano State Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, stated that the syndicate was involved in the manufacture and sale of several falsified medicines, including Asian Ampicillin 125mg + Cloxacillin 125mg/5ml powder for oral suspension for children – Zero active ingredient.
Others included Asian Ampicillin 125 mg/5ml powder for suspension for children, Erythromycin 125 mg/5ml powder for suspension for children, and Artil-Go (Artemether 20 mg+ Lumefantrine 120 mg/5ml) powder for suspension for children, all of which had zero active ingredients.
Prof. Adeyeye observed that all of the medications were merely powders devoid of any active components needed to treat or heal a patient.
Prof. Adeyeye stated that the illicit trade was discovered through information and a discreet investigation, which led to their detention.
She sought the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians and humanitarians in the fight against fraudsters, ensuring that NAFDAC, under her direction, will continue a zero-tolerance policy for substandard and fraudulent medicine.
What they’re saying
“To clarify, the NAFDAC Kaduna Laboratory Services examination found no presence of medicine in the formulations. This puts the patient at risk of treatment failure and death.
“In addition, the products were not registered by NAFDAC, the numbers on the products are fake, so is the manufacturer’s address on the label,” she stated.
She stated that NAFDAC had sealed the unlawful plant in Tafa town and Tafa local government, Niger.
“Although NAFDAC is aware that the scammers would persist in their efforts, the organization is determined to keep one step ahead of them. Professor
Adeyeye said, “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those who choose to profit from our lives as people.”
Why this matters
Fake medicine without key elements can result in treatment failure, worsened ailments, and even death. Children are especially sensitive to these threats.
This incidence damages the public’s belief in medications. People assume that medicine is correctly prepared and effective.
Bottom Line
However, when their counsel requested bail, the suspects pleaded not guilty. But after hearing submissions from the prosecuting lawyer and the defendants’ attorney, Justice Simon Amobeda denied the bail request. He set June 14 for the bail application and June 20 for the hearing.
