The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has returned a cheque valued at ₦5 million to its rightful owner, Mr. Godfrey Chukwudi, after it was recovered during an enforcement operation at the Open Drug Market, Tenant Road, Aba, Abia State.
The money was discovered during the joint operation aimed at sanitising open drug markets and curbing the circulation of unwholesome medicines. According to NAFDAC, the funds were carefully counted and documented in the presence of representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force, who provided support during the exercise.
Following due clearance and verification, it was confirmed that the cheque belonged to a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator who had no connection to the illicit drug activities under investigation. Consequently, NAFDAC ensured that the funds were returned to Mr. Chukwudi.
The handover took place in the presence of Mr. Chima Amadi, Chairman of the Ekumi Traders Medicine Dealers Association Union, as well as senior NAFDAC directors, Pharm. Shaba Mohammed (fsi) and Dr. Martins Iluyomade (fsi).
NAFDAC emphasised that the action demonstrates the agency’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and professionalism in carrying out its enforcement duties. The agency also reassured the public that while it remains firm in its crackdown on the illegal drug trade, it will ensure that innocent citizens are not unjustly penalised in the process.
