The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned two men and a pharmaceutical company, before the Federal High Court in Jos, over the alleged sale and distribution of counterfeit Coartem tablets.
The defendants are Idam Francis, Rufai Kabiru and KRA Nalele Pharmaceutical Limited.
The case followed an operation conducted by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC at KRA Nalele Pharmaceutical Limited, located at 68/13 Mango Street, near Masallacin Juma’a, Jos, Plateau State, on February 14, 2025, following a report by Novartis.
During the operation, NAFDAC operatives discovered and removed suspected counterfeit Coartem (Artemether/Lumefantrine 20/120mg) tablets and arrested the owner of the pharmacy for questioning.
According to the agency, the pharmacy owner informed operatives that Francis, of No. 6 Panshin Street, Jos, was the supplier of the product.
Francis was subsequently arrested and interrogated, during which he admitted supplying the suspected counterfeit Coartem and other products to KRA Nalele Pharmaceutical Limited.
The agency said the seized product was subjected to laboratory analysis, which indicated zero active content of both Artemether and Lumefantrine.
Following the completion of investigation, the three defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge under the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The charges are punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the Act.
