The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday arraigned three suspects before the Federal High Court in Kano, for manufacturing, distribution and selling of falsified medicines for children.
The suspects are Mr. Amao Gideon, Alumona Godwin Okwiludili, Hillary Onah Paul Chigozie and Giddyson Healthcare
Limited.
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When the case came up on Friday, prosecution counsel, Oche Matthias Abutu standing in for the Federal Government on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation, slammed them with a five-count charge which borders on manufacturing of fake medicines, being in possession, distribution and sale of falsified medicines.
However, the suspects pleaded not guilty when their lawyer asked for their bail. But hearing the submissions from the prosecuting lawyer and counsel to the defendants, Justice Simon Amobeda turned down the bail request.
He fixed June 14 for bail application and June 20 for hearing.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, who was represented by the Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim, said the syndicate have been involved in manufacturing and selling of several falsified medicines, including Asian Ampicillin 125mg + Cloxacillin 125mg/5ml powder for oral suspension for children -Zero active ingredient.
Others are Asian Ampicilin 125 mg/5ml powder for suspension for children-Zero active ingredient, Erythromycin 125mg/5ml powder for suspension for children – Zero active ingredient and Artil-Go (Artemether 20 mg+ Lumefantrine 120 mg/5ml) powder for suspension for children –Zero active ingredient.
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Prof. Adeyeye noted that all the drugs were mere powders without any active ingredients required for healing or curing a patient.
“For clarity, from the NAFDAC Kaduna Laboratory Services-testing, there is no trace of medicine in the formulations. This puts the patient in danger of treatment failure and possible 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 added.
She disclosed that NAFDAC had sealed the illegal factory which was located in Tafa town, Tafa local Government area of Niger State.
Prof. Adeyeye said the illicit trade was uncovered following information and discrete investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
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She craved the partnership of all well meaning Nigerians and lovers of humanity in the fight against fraudsters, assuring that NAFDAC, under her leadership will maintain zero tolerance position on substandard and falsified medicine.
“We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those who chose to profit off our lives as a people because in reality, they pose existential threat to us and our loved ones,”she said.
