The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has arrested a woman in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over fake healthcare activities.
The woman, identified as Mrs Gladys Theophilus, was caught giving unregistered drugs to people while pretending to offer free medical services in the Abuloma area.
NAFDAC officials said the syndicate was using the cover of religious evangelism to deceive the public with fake products such as eye drops, tablets, cleansers, and bottled water.
The Director of NAFDAC’s South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, made this known during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, May 19, 2025.
He said the agency acted after receiving a tip-off from concerned residents about suspicious activities taking place at a community town hall.
“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 at Community Town Hall, Abuloma,” Oligbu said.
“These fake health workers were giving out unregistered products like Evangelist Jenkins’ supernatural water, eye drops, and cleansers. They claimed the products could cure serious conditions like goiter, cancer, piles, arthritis, fibroids, cataracts, and glaucoma. The list is endless.”
Oligbu explained that some people who used the eye drops reported swollen eyes. But instead of stopping the treatment, the so-called doctor—who is now on the run—told them the swelling meant the medicine was working.
“When our team, led by the State Coordinator, Emmanuel Onogwu, arrived at the location, we found Mrs Theophilus administering these fake products to people who were waiting for treatment,” he added.
The products were seized and taken to the NAFDAC zonal office for further investigation.
Oligbu confirmed that the arrested woman would be charged to court, and efforts are ongoing to catch other members of the group who have escaped.
He warned the public not to fall for people pretending to be evangelists or health workers while selling unverified drugs.
“Their products are not registered by any government agency. Anyone using them is doing so at their own risk,” he warned.
“NAFDAC has zero tolerance for fake and dangerous drugs. We urge Nigerians to report such activities as soon as they are noticed. We are fully committed to protecting the health of the nation,” Oligbu added.
