Rivers
NAFDAC Uncovers Evangelism Group Involved In Fake Drug Distribution
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Rivers says it has uncovered a group distributing suspected fake drugs to the public in the name of evangelism.
NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Mr. Chukwuma Oligbu, said at a media briefing in Port Harcourt that the group was tracked down at Abuloma Community Town Hall in Port Harcourt.
Oligbu disclosed that a member of the group was apprehended while administering one of the suspected fake products on a member of the public.
He further said the products were evacuated to NAFDAC office for further investigation and documentation.
The NAFDAC official said the group was distributing unregistered eye drops, bottled water, cleansers, tablets, among others to the public.
Oligbu listed some of the products being distributed as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser, and Evangelist Jenkins Eye Drop.
He said the group, posing as an evangelism outfit, claimed that the products could treat gastrointestinal diseases and eye challenges.
According to him, some users of the eye drop being distributed by the group have already reported having swollen eyes which the group claim is a sign of the drug’s efficacy.
“These products have no list of ingredients, no NAFDAC registration numbers, no manufacturer’s name and address, and no expiry dates.
“People were deceived to buy the products. They claim to be running a free medical treatment mission for goiter, cancer, pile, arthritis, rashes, fibroids, cataracts and glaucoma,
“They give consultancy cards to people, they collect not less than N5,000 for each of the drugs. This is not good”, he said.
Oligbu assured that the agency would test the products to ascertain their composition, and ensure that justice was done on the matter.
He cautioned the public to desist from patronising groups and individuals that indulge in the distribution of unregistered products in the name evangelism or free treatment missions.
He also urged the public to report any suspicious activity through the agency’s toll-free line: 09097630507, and 09097630507, and to verify the registration of products before use.
“We are committed to ridding the state of fake drugs. We urge the public to collaborate with us by availing us reliable intelligence to track down those involved in this unwholesome practice”, he stated.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
The Rivers State Judiciary has denied a media report claiming that Justice Frank Onyiri of the State High Court issued an injunction order restraining the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), from inaugurating the newly appointed members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission (RSCSC).
In a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of litigation at the High Court, Menenen Poromon (Esq), the state Judiciary disassociated itself from the report, describing it as malicious and fabricated.
The statement emphasized that the report was a falsehood and a misrepresentation of what transpeared in the court.
Poromon clarified that no such order was issued by Justice Onyiri or any other judge of the High Court of the state and urged the public to disregard the information, as it lacked any iota of truth.
The statement however advised the public to verify any information concerning the state Judiciary directly from the office of the Chief Registrar, High Court of the State, to avoid spreading of misinformation.