Alleged extortion: NAFDAC threatens to invoke Cybercrime Act against VDM

By Ayox Ojo/Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has reported social media influencer, Very Dark Man (VDM) to the police for alleged levelling false allegation of extortion against its officials over its enforcement activities at Onitsha Bridge Head Market.

NAFDAC said this in response VDM widely circulated Instagram video in which he accused NAFDAC of extorting ₦700,000 from the traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head market for an undisclosed service.

VDM who was surrounded by protesting traders in the video displayed the purported receipt NAFDAC was issuing to the traders for the alleged payment.

The social media influencer had consequently threatened to take legal action against NAFDAC.

However, NAFDAC while clarifying that the penalties imposed on traders were lawful accused VDM of incitement and and potentially violating Cybercrime Act in his assertions in the video.

The agency explained that the fine imposed on the traders were in violation of Good Storage and Distribution Practices by shops, warehouses, and stores inspected during recent enorcement operations in three open drug markets.

The agency also noted none of the premises inspected complied with regulation to register with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).

On the fees, NAFDAC said an investigative charge of ₦5 million initially imposed on those selling unregistered products, was later reduced to ₦200,000 after pleas.

Also, NAFDAC said a ₦2 million charge for violating storage standards was reduced to ₦500,000.

“These are Federal Government-gazetted charges and payments,” NAFDAC affirmed while dismissing alleged extortion claims.

Also the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, had on Monday accused VDM of incitement, potentially constituting a breach of the Cybercrime Act.

She accused VDM of encouraging traders to defy regulatory action undermines the authority of NAFDAC and could endanger public health.

“What this perpetrator has done is to openly tell his audience to defy the regulatory processes of NAFDAC,” Prof. Adeyeye said, noting that the enforcement was carried out under the authority of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“NAFDAC is working firmly within the purview of her mandate.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all medical products, medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and more used in Nigeria are of good quality, safe, and effective.

“These efforts are vital in reducing maternal and child mortality, improving life expectancy, and protecting citizens with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes”.

Recall that the Labour Party caucus of House of Representatives had also accused NAF of extorting N700,000 each from over 1000 traders whose shops were recently shut over alleged sale of unregistered, fake drugs in Onitsha Bridge market.