NAFDAC Cracks Down on Fraud Syndicate, Arrests Mastermind Ikoro Mang Ifendu
In a major breakthrough, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has busted a notorious fraud syndicate operating in Aba, Abia State. The syndicate's leader, Ikoro Mang Ifendu, was arrested on February 7, 2025, for impersonating a NAFDAC staff member and scamming foreign companies with fake documents.
According to NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Ifendu, born on January 2, 1973, is a native of Amamba village, Abiriba in Ohafia LGA, Abia state, and deals in clothing materials. He is currently in NAFDAC custody and cooperating with the investigation.
The syndicate's modus operandi involved a three-pronged scheme, where they would contact foreign companies to purchase and import goods into Nigeria. They would then introduce these companies to banks, which would declare that NAFDAC approval was required for export. A lawyer would be introduced, claiming to facilitate NAFDAC certification, and would issue fraudulent receipts and counterfeit NAFDAC certificates.
Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE, was one of the companies that fell victim to this scam, losing thousands of dollars and millions of Naira. Other companies from various countries were also affected.
NAFDAC has warned businesses to be cautious of consulting firms claiming to facilitate product registrations. The agency advises firms to verify all NAFDAC-related registrations through its official portal. The case will be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
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