NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Drug Syndicate Disguised as Evangelism Group in Rivers State
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a covert syndicate operating in Rivers State under the guise of a Christian evangelism group.
The group distributed potentially harmful and unregistered medical products to unsuspecting members of the public.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Mr. Chukwuma Oligbu, announced the breakthrough.
He explained that operatives tracked and intercepted the group at Abuloma Community Town Hall while they carried out their activities.
NAFDAC officials apprehended one suspect caught administering a suspicious substance to a resident. The agency immediately seized a cache of products and sent them to the laboratory for comprehensive analysis.
“This group, pretending to be evangelists, distributed unapproved and potentially dangerous items such as eye drops, bottled water, and herbal cleansers,” Oligbu stated. “They sold the items under deceptive names like ‘Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water’, ‘Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser’, and ‘Evangelist Jenkins Eye Drop’.”
Oligbu revealed that the products lacked essential labelling information, including ingredient lists, manufacturer’s details, production or expiry dates, and NAFDAC registration numbers.
What troubled authorities most, he said, were the group’s outrageous claims that their products could cure conditions such as glaucoma, fibroids, arthritis, rashes, and even cancer and goitre. Victims paid at least ₦5,000 per item, believing they were receiving free medical care.
“In one alarming case, a user developed swollen eyes after applying the eye drop. The group dismissed it as a ‘healing sign’ instead of showing concern,” Oligbu added.
He urged the public to avoid miracle cure peddlers and faith-based medical missions lacking proper authorisation.
He advised citizens to verify products through NAFDAC’s authentication systems and report suspicious activities using the agency’s toll-free line: 09097630507.
“Fake drugs are silent killers,” Oligbu warned. “We urge Nigerians to work with NAFDAC to identify and eliminate these threats to public health.”
NAFDAC has pledged to continue its investigation and ensure the perpetrators face justice. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and preventing the misuse of religion or charity for illegal activities.
