Police in Nigeria’s western Ondo State have arrested a young man for allegedly operating a secret, unlicensed clinic, as authorities intensify a crackdown on “medical quackery.”
Idris Nasiru, 25, was apprehended in the town of Ore following an intelligence-led raid by a surveillance team on 14 January. Investigators say the suspect had been treating unsuspecting members of the public despite having no formal medical training or registration.
The arrest has once again highlighted the dangers of unregulated healthcare in a country where “fake doctors” often exploit those seeking cheaper alternatives to established hospitals.
A ‘pharmacy of horrors’
During the raid, officers searched the suspect’s shop and residence, uncovering a stash of professional medical equipment that police say he was not authorised to possess.
The items seized included:
- Injectables: Packs of unused needles and syringes.
- Clinical supplies: Intravenous (IV) drips, bandages, and assorted medical kits.
- Medical waste: Used injection bottles and discarded syringes found at his residence, raising concerns over sanitary conditions and the risk of infection.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is not a registered medical practitioner, confirming that the clinic was being operated illegally,” said police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh.
The rise of ‘Medical Quacks’
Nigeria has seen a troubling rise in the number of individuals posing as doctors, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. These “quacks” often perform minor surgeries and administer potent drugs, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The Commissioner of Police for Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, described the operation as a “significant breakthrough” in the fight against medical-related crimes. He urged residents to be “extremely cautious” when seeking healthcare and to verify the credentials of practitioners.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged in court once the full investigation is concluded.
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