The Managing Director of Divine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, has been arrested in connection with the sale of substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules.
This was confirmed by the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
The capsules, manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd, have been linked to severe adverse drug reactions reported by patients across Nigeria.
NAFDAC launched an investigation after a hospital recorded three cases of serious reactions from patients who used the medication.
“If we see bad actors, we go after them,” said Adeyeye. “We shut them down. We inspect their facility. If they don’t meet Good Manufacturing Practices, we shut them down temporarily or permanently, depending on the gravity. We have done that, and we have records.”
The scandal deepened when discrepancies emerged in the production records of the substandard drugs.
Ecomed Pharma Ltd claimed it only produced 20 packets of the affected batch, identified as Batch No. 4C639001, for registration renewal.
However, 790 packets of the same batch were recalled, raising questions about their origin.
Adeyeye explained, “The manufacturer Ecomed Pharma Ltd in his statement claimed to have manufactured only 20 packets of Batch No 4C639001 and 1,961 packets of Batch No 4C639002. However, 790 packs of Batch No 4C639001 with a manufacturing date of 03/2024 and an expiry date of 02/2027 were recalled, which he did not manufacture.”
This revelation led to the arrest of Ekeanyanwu, whose company, Divine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd, is the marketing authorisation holder for the capsules.
NAFDAC is also investigating Pharm Ekene Christopher of Ecomed Pharma Ltd, along with the Quality Control and Production Managers of the company.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has been notified, and additional suspects have been invited for questioning.
Meanwhile, the affected products have been sent to NAFDAC’s laboratory for detailed analysis.
As the investigation continues, NAFDAC has issued a public warning against the use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from the affected batches.
“Anyone in possession of the affected lot is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” Prof. Adeyeye urged.
She also appealed to healthcare providers and distributors to verify the authenticity and condition of medical products before dispensing them.
Adeyeye called on the public to report any adverse reactions or suspicions of substandard products through NAFDAC’s official channels.
The alert regarding the substandard drugs was first issued on December 3, 2024, following initial reports of adverse reactions.
This case has highlighted the dangers posed by substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.
Experts warn that such drugs not only fail to treat illnesses but can also cause severe harm or death.
NAFDAC has ramped up its efforts to combat the menace of counterfeit medicines through inspections, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.
“Our mission is to protect the health of Nigerians,” Adeyeye stated. “We will not tolerate the actions of individuals or companies that endanger lives.”
The pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria has faced criticism in recent years over lapses in regulatory compliance.
NAFDAC’s aggressive stance is seen as a critical step toward restoring public confidence in the safety and efficacy of medicines.
With this latest arrest, NAFDAC has sent a clear message to pharmaceutical companies: flouting regulations will have serious consequences.
The agency has vowed to leave no stone unturned in holding those responsible for the Deekins Amoxycillin scandal accountable.
