5 arrested for unauthorised distribution of locally made medicine

By Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested five suspects for allegedly administering and distributing unverified locally made medicine to members of the public without approval from the relevant health authorities.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday at about 9:00 a.m. at the ECWA Church premises behind the No. 52 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Base in Chalawa, Kano.

Police said six men were initially intercepted while distributing the locally made medicine, both free of charge and for sale, to residents of the Panshekara community who had gathered at the church premises. Five of them were subsequently arrested as investigations progressed.

The suspects were said to be members of the Brother Paul Legacy Foundation and were led by Simon Gbaaondo, 50, from Karu, Nasarawa State. The individual who hosted the group at the church premises has also been invited for questioning to assist with the investigation.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the matter was initially reported at the Panshekara Police Division before it was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a comprehensive investigation.

According to the command, the activity had generated public outcry following complaints from concerned members of the community over the safety of the medicine being distributed.

The police warned individuals, religious bodies and organizations against administering drugs or conducting medical outreaches without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Kano State Government, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other relevant health authorities.

The command noted that such unauthorized activities pose significant health and security risks, particularly when they involve large gatherings of people.

“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will not condone any activity capable of endangering public health or public order,” the statement said.

The police further urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious medical outreach or distribution of unverified medicines to the nearest police station for immediate action.