NAFDAC Apprehends Members Of A Syndicate Posing As Evangelists To Sell Fake Eye Drops, Others In Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Rivers State has revealed that it has discovered a group masquerading as missionaries and caregivers to distribute suspected counterfeit drugs to the public.

Chukwuma Oligbu, the NAFDAC South-South Zonal Director, announced this during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, May 19. He stated that the group was located at Abuloma Community Town Hall. Oligbu revealed that one member of the group was caught while administering one of the suspected fake products to a member of the public.

He mentioned that the products have been taken to the NAFDAC office for further investigation and documentation.

Oligbu identified some of the products being distributed as Evangelist Jenkins Supernatural Water, Evangelist Jenkins Cleanser, and Evangelist Jenkins Eye Drop.

He explained that the group, pretending to be an evangelism outfit, claimed that these products could treat gastrointestinal diseases and eye challenges.

According to him, some users of the eye drop distributed by the group have already reported experiencing swollen eyes, which the group claims is a sign of the drug’s efficacy.

He noted that these products lack lists of ingredients, NAFDAC registration numbers, manufacturer’s name and address, and expiry dates.

“People were deceived to buy the products. They claim to be running a free medical treatment mission for goitre, 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.”

Oligbu promised that the agency would analyze the products to determine their composition and ensure that justice is served in the matter.

He warned the public to avoid patronizing groups and individuals that engage in the distribution of unregistered products under the guise of evangelism or free treatment missions.

He also encouraged 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 said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli