The Kano State Multi-Agency Committee on Illicit Drugs and Related Offences has arrested a former chairman of Rogo Local Government Area over alleged sale and administration of fentanyl injections to young people.
The committee’s chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, disclosed the arrest in a video interview with a local media outlet on Monday.
Rimingado said the suspect was arrested after an undercover operation confirmed claims that he was supplying the dangerous drug. He did not reveal the former chairman’s identity.
He said the investigation started after the committee arrested a young man whose hand had badly deteriorated from repeated injections. The victim later identified the former council chairman as his drug supplier.
“Our operatives followed the victim back to the suspect. He gave him money and was told to return later. When he came back, the suspect had concealed the drug in an envelope. As he was about to hand it over, our operatives moved in and arrested him,” Rimingado said.
The suspect initially denied direct involvement, claiming the drugs came from Sabon Gari Market.
However, the committee said it had enough evidence, including the substance found with him, the victim’s testimony and the suspect’s statement.
The suspect’s medical facility was also shut down after authorities found it was not properly licensed.
Rimingado alleged that the suspect had operated without a valid nursing licence since 1985 and performed caesarean sections without the required qualifications.
He has been charged under Section 249 of the Kano Penal Code for offences involving harmful substances.
The victim reportedly spent over N2 million on the injections in two years, which Rimingado described as disturbing.
