NAFDAC arrests ex-deputy Gov. for HIV test kits fraud

December 29, 2006 :: Chioma Obinna,Lagos, Vanguard,Lagos

The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has arrested the former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Obong Christopher Ekpeyong for alleged repackaging of HIV test kits.

According to NAFDAC's Director of Enforcement, Dioka Ejionueme, the former Deputy Governor was declared wanted by NAFDAC some months ago, following his involvement in the re-packaging and re-naming of a brand of HIV Test Kit registered by Bundi International Diagnostic Limited.

Ejionueme, who spoke on the arrest in Lagos, said Ekpeyong was said to have bought some quantities of HIV Test Kit from Bundi International Diagnostic Limited for supply to Bayelsa State Government and illegally re-packaged and re-named it without authorisation.

The alleged illegally and deceptively packaged kit, the Director revealed had no lot number, no manufacturing date and expiring date.

Ejionueme disclosed Dr. Obong Christopher Ekpeyong is presently in the custody of NAFDAC and is being interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate of the Agency.

He warned unsuspecting Nigerians on the need to look out for NAFDAC registration numbers, Manufacturing date of and Expiry date.

Calling on Nigerian to report any case of forgery or doubt about a particular product, Ejionueme said the agency will not relent in its efforts to rid the nation of fake and substandard drugs.