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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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Police Obeys Court Order to Suspend Tinted Glass Permits Enforcement

The court issued the interim order during a hearing in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 instituted by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the police.

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The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of vehicle tinted glass permit because of a court order halting the enforcement for now.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the suspension on Wednesday, October 8.

Recall Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, last week ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of police (IGP) to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit across the country.

The court ordered the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.”

The court issued the interim order during a hearing in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 instituted by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the police.

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My resignation not admission of guilt – Nnaji

My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt. It is a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court

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The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, says his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet is not an admission of guilt but a personal choice.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

This is contained in a statement he signed in Abuja.

Nnaji was appointed as minister by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, but resigned amidst controversies surrounding allegations of certificate forgery.

He noted that over the past week, an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks was waged against him across print, electronic and social media platforms.

Nnaji emphasized that these unfounded allegations and media distortions not only caused personal distress but also distracted him from work.

He had put in five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour and service to humanity.

Nnaji said that he could not, in good conscience, allow these distortions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of the present administration.

“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt. It is a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court, ” he said.

Nnaji expressed optimism that in the end, justice will vindicate the just.

(VANGUARD)

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Health: NMA Panel To Give Report on 16 October

Acting on the direct order of the Federal High Court, the NMA committee—made up of cardiologists, neurologists, and senior specialists—was tasked with one question: Is Nnamdi Kanu fit to stand trial? ‎‎

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A special medical panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) now has 16 October to give its report on the health status of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, who is on terrorism trial at the Federal High Court Abuja.

‎‎Justice James Omotosho gave the date after the prosecutor, Suraj Sa’aida SAN, informed the Court that the panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was not ready. ‎‎

The prosecutor requested for a week to enable it to complete its assignment which was due this Wednesday.

This application was not opposed by the defence lawyers led by Kanu Agabi SAN.

In a short ruling, Justice Omotosho reminded all parties in the case of the court’s stance on accelerated hearing of the matter. ‎‎

The judge however noted that he is inclined to adjourn the matter till 16 October, which will be enough time for the medical panel to complete its job. ‎‎

Acting on the direct order of the Federal High Court, the NMA committee—made up of cardiologists, neurologists, and senior specialists—was tasked with one question: Is Nnamdi Kanu fit to stand trial? ‎‎

The intervention by the court follows weeks of conflicting claims from doctors of the DSS and Kanu’s private physician on his true state of health, amidst claims of deteriorating condition and alleged manipulation of medical records.‎‎

The NMA Committee’s mandate is to examine Kanu directly, both inside DSS custody and, if necessary, in external hospitals.

It must also assess whether DSS facilities are capable of handling his ailments—or if he should be transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja, or another specialized center.‎

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