By Uzair Adam Imam
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned three suspects and a company, Giddyson Healthcare Limited, before a federal high court in Kano for manufacturing, distributing, and selling fake children’s medicines.
The suspects, Amao Gideon, Alumona Okwiludili, and Hillary Chigozie, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge.
The medicines in question, which include Asian Ampicillin and Artil-Go, were found to contain zero active ingredients, putting patients at risk of treatment failure and possible death.
NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye noted that the products were not registered and had fake numbers and manufacturer’s addresses on the labels.
The illegal factory, located in Tafa town, Niger state, has been sealed by NAFDAC.
The suspects were arrested following intelligence gathering and a discrete investigation.
The court has fixed June 14 for the bail application and June 20 for the hearing.
This development shows the ongoing efforts of NAFDAC to combat the manufacture and sale of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, and the need for increased vigilance to protect public health.