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JUST IN: House of Reps demands urgent crackdown on fake drug syndicates

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The House of Representatives has called for a more aggressive crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria, following the recent discovery of an illegal drug manufacturing facility in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.

The resolution was moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who raised alarms over the growing issue of fake pharmaceuticals during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ezechi revealed that the illegal factory, located in a remote village, was involved in rebranding expired drugs by altering their expiry dates and producing counterfeit medications, including injectables, which were being distributed to unsuspecting Nigerians.

“The consumption of fake and substandard drugs poses severe health risks, including treatment failures, drug resistance, and even death,” Ezechi stated.

He warned that such criminal activities undermine Nigeria’s healthcare system and put millions at risk.

The House expressed deep concern that the Osisioma Ngwa incident was not an isolated case but part of a broader public health crisis, as similar counterfeit drug operations have been uncovered across the country.

The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.

The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation. 

It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.

The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.

The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation. 

It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Health and Drugs and Narcotics to investigate the widespread issue of counterfeit drugs in the country.

It also called for increased public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fake drugs and the introduction of advanced tracking and authentication systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with security agencies, to implement stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the illegal drug trade, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

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Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor Murder Suspects’ Hearing adjourn February 9-11

Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.

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Photo: Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer

The FCT High Court Abuja has slated three days hearing for suspects that killed Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer.

Ohibaba.com learned that the matter is adjourned to 9, 10 and 12 February, 2026 for definite hearing.

The suspects were arraigned on amended Charges filed on 10th January before the FCT High Court.

Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.

All of them pleaded not guilty.

Defendants to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility.

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Suicide bomber Kills Five Soldiers in Borno Waylaid

Security sources said that the attack occurred as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.

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Five soldiers were killed while several others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy at the Timbuktu Triangle axis of Borno State.

Security sources said that the attack occurred Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.

Two senior officers, a Major and a Lieutenant, were among those affected.

The military has yet to issue an official statement, as clearance operations are still ongoing in the area.

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Ogun Govt Suspends Selection of New Awujale to prevent mayhems

Hon. Hamzat added that the decision was taken proactively to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to ensure that the eventual emergence of a new Awujale follows due process acceptable to all stakeholders.

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The Ogun State Government has again suspended the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on behalf of the State government, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the decision became necessary following several complaints and intelligence reports received from security agencies and other key stakeholders involved in the selection process.

The government described the Awujale stool as one of the foremost and most prestigious traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Ogun State, noting that the stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, further elevated the global prestige and reverence of the throne.

According to the commissioner, the prominence of the stool and the legacy of the late monarch have placed intense public attention and scrutiny on the emergence of the next Awujale, making it imperative for the state to act decisively to safeguard public order and uphold the dignity of the institution.

“The State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process.

In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process and preserve the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process at this time,” the statement read.

The government explained that its action was backed by the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the Executive Council to set aside an appointment if it is deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

Hon. Hamzat added that the decision was taken proactively to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to ensure that the eventual emergence of a new Awujale follows due process acceptable to all stakeholders.

Consequently, the state government directed that the decision be formally communicated to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

The ruling house was specifically advised to await further directives from the government regarding the continuation of the selection process.

The development has temporarily stalled the succession process to the highly respected Awujale throne, as the government reviews the situation to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible outcome.

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