Police in Kano have smashed an alleged fake herbal medicine racket, arresting five suspects accused of impersonating a registered traditional medicine practitioner and using his identity to push counterfeit products on unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspects — Muhammad Usman, Husaini Kabir, Hassan Kabir, Suleiman Salihu and Nura Garba — were arrested by operatives of the Zone One Police Headquarters, Kano, following a complaint lodged by Abdulwahab Abubakar, Chief Executive Officer of Abdulwahab Abubakar Herbal and Islamic Clinic, Bauchi.
Zone One Police spokesman, Abdullahi Hussaini, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the police, Abubakar reported the matter on August 10, alleging that the suspects and others still at large had been using his name, business identity and lectures to promote and sell fake herbal products.
The suspects were also accused of collecting money from customers in the practitioner’s name without supplying the medicines ordered.
Police said some of the alleged counterfeit herbal mixtures sold by the suspects could pose serious health risks to unsuspecting users.
The five suspects have reportedly made statements to investigators, with the police continuing efforts to track down other people allegedly connected to the operation.
The Zone One Command warned Nigerians to be careful when buying herbal products, particularly through social media, urging customers to verify the identity of vendors, the authenticity of products and payment channels before parting with their money.
The police also warned fraudsters involved in similar activities to stop immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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