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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken legal action against three individuals and a company in Kano for their alleged involvement in manufacturing and selling counterfeit drugs.

The defendants—Amao Gideon, Alumona Okwudila, and Hillary Chigozie—are associated with Giddyson Health Care Limited. They face a five-count charge related to the production, sale, and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines.

According to Oche Abutu, the prosecution counsel, the suspects manufactured several drugs, including Asian Ampicillin 125mg + Cloxacillin 125mg/5ml powder (oral suspension for children), Asian Ampicillin 125mg/5ml suspension powder (for children), Erythromycin 125 mg/5ml powder (suspension for children), and Artil-Go (Artemether 20 mg + Lumefantrine 20 mg/5ml) powder for suspension for children. Shockingly, these drugs lacked active ingredients.

The charges against them fall under Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs law, punishable under Section 3(1a).

The defense counsels—E. N Ogbu, Usman Ashafa, and M.S. Waziri—have requested bail for their clients.

Justice Simon Amobeda, the presiding judge, ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility. The case is adjourned until June 14, 2024.

Shortly after the adjournment, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, addressed journalists via Zoom. She revealed that the medicines tested at the Kaduna Laboratory showed no trace of active ingredients. Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that the lack of registration by NAFDAC and the presence of fake product numbers and manufacturer addresses on the labels posed serious risks to patients.

The illegal factory, located in Tafa town and Tafa local government, Niger state, has been sealed. NAFDAC remains committed to eradicating falsified and substandard products, urging Nigerians to report any suspicious items.