Kano Police Arrest Five Over Alleged Distribution of Unauthorized Local Medicines at Church Outreach

The Kano State Police Command has clarified reports circulating on social media regarding the interception of individuals allegedly administering and distributing unverified locally made medicines during a church outreach in Kano.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command said the operation followed public complaints and concerns from residents over the unauthorized medical activity.

According to the police, operatives of the 52 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Challawa, intercepted six male suspects on August 4, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m. The suspects, said to be attached to the Brother Paul Legacy Foundation, were operating at the ECWA Church located behind the 52 PMF Base in Challawa, Kano.

Police identified the group leader as Simon Gbaaondo, 50, from Karu, Nasarawa State.

Investigators alleged that the suspects were administering and selling unverified locally made medicines to a large crowd of residents from the Panshekara community without obtaining approval from relevant health regulatory authorities.

The individual who facilitated the group’s use of the church premises has also been invited by the police to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The case was initially reported at the Panshekara Police Division before being transferred to the Kano State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where five of the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, warned individuals and organizations against conducting medical outreaches or distributing drugs and locally made medicines without the necessary approvals from the Kano State Government, NAFDAC, and other relevant health authorities.

According to the police, such unauthorized activities pose significant public health and security risks, particularly when they attract large gatherings.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public order, stressing that it will not tolerate activities capable of endangering the health and safety of residents.

Residents were urged to report any suspicious medical outreach or the distribution of unverified medicines to the nearest police station. The Command said further updates on the investigation would be made available as the case progresses.