By Peter Omopo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled a syndicate masquerading as missionaries and free healthcare providers in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The agency confirmed the arrest of one suspect, Mrs. Gladys Theophilus, who was allegedly administering fake and unregistered medical products to unsuspecting members of the public.
The Director of NAFDAC’s South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday. He said the raid followed a tip-off from concerned residents about suspicious activities at a local town hall.
According to Oligbu, the syndicate distributed unregistered products including tablets, eye drops, bottled water, and “cleansers,” falsely claiming they could cure a wide range of serious medical conditions such as goitre, cancer, piles, arthritis, fibroids, cataracts, and glaucoma.
“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered the activities of some unscrupulous elements posing as missionaries and free healthcare givers,” Oligbu said. “They used the cover of evangelism to distribute unregistered products like ‘Evangelist Jenkins’ supernatural water,’ ‘Evangelist Jenkins’ cleanser,’ and ‘Evangelist Jenkins’ eye drops.’”
He noted that none of the products had a valid NAFDAC registration number or identifiable manufacturer address, violating regulatory standards.
Oligbu urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious healthcare activities to NAFDAC to prevent further exploitation and health risks.
