BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled an illegal operation masquerading as a free medical outreach in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the agency, the group behind the scheme disguised themselves as missionaries and handed out unregistered products including eye drops, bottled liquids, and pills under the guise of providing free treatment for various health conditions. One woman, identified as Mrs. Gladys Theophilus, was caught in the act and has been arrested.
The Director of NAFDAC’s South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, made the disclosure during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday. He explained that the arrest followed a tip-off from vigilant residents who raised concerns about suspicious health activities taking place at a local town hall.
Acting on the alert, NAFDAC officials raided the location last Friday and caught Mrs. Theophilus administering the unapproved substances to unsuspecting individuals waiting their turn for treatment. The alleged leader of the group, who posed as a doctor, was reportedly not present and is currently on the run.
The so-called treatments were being promoted as cures for a wide range of ailments, including cancer, arthritis, fibroids, cataracts, and more,” Oligbu said. “The products such as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Cleanser, and Eye Drops had no NAFDAC registration numbers and lacked identifiable manufacturer information.”
He noted that some individuals reported adverse effects after using the products, including eye swelling. The fake health workers, however, reportedly told patients that the symptoms were part of the healing process and a sign that the “medicine” was working.
The seized items have been moved to NAFDAC’s Zonal Office in Woji, Port Harcourt, where investigations are ongoing. Oligbu confirmed that Mrs. Theophilus will face legal action and that efforts are underway to track down other members of the syndicate.
“This is a dangerous trend where people exploit religion and public trust to distribute harmful substances,” Oligbu warned. “The public should be wary of anyone claiming to offer miracle cures without verified approval from regulatory bodies.”
He emphasized that NAFDAC maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for counterfeit and unregistered drugs and called on citizens to report any suspicious medical activities immediately.
“Our mission is clear: to protect the health of Nigerians. We urge everyone to stay informed and alert,” Oligbu added.
