On Friday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) caught the leader of a fraud team, despite the fact that it had found a $1.4 million worldwide fraud plot targeting foreign corporations. These overseas corporations were duped into paying for fraudulent NAFDAC product registrations.
The detained gang, commanded by Ikoro Mang Ifendu, utilised counterfeit documents to defraud companies in China, Japan, Poland, South Korea, the UAE, and the United States. Ifendu was apprehended in Aba, Abia State, on February 7, 2025, as part of a continuing investigation investigating the fraud network. Professor Christianah Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, briefed journalists in Lagos and reported the arrest of the prime suspect, Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, a 52-year-old businessman from Abia State.
She revealed the sophisticated swindle, stating, “Ifendu was apprehended on February 7, 2025, in Ogborn Hills, Aba, following an extensive investigation triggered by a complaint from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE.”
“The company reported being defrauded of thousands of dollars while attempting to register dried fish (seafood) for export to Nigeria.” She said that NAFDAC’s inquiry uncovered a three-tiered fraud scheme orchestrated by Ifendu and his syndicate. The scheme involves the buyer: Fraudsters contacted overseas businesses, masquerading as importers in need of their items. “The Bank: The overseas companies were then routed to banks that erroneously said that their shipments to Nigeria required NAFDAC registration.
“The Lawyer: The businesses were introduced to a supposed legal expert who offered to facilitate the approval process—for a high cost. “Over $950,000 was transferred to Nigerian domiciliary accounts related to the syndicate, with an additional $450,000 traceable to offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Surprisingly, even after Ifendu was arrested, an alert for a new deposit of $75,000 was received in one of the bogus accounts.” Continuing, she stated: “The fraud ring created bogus NAFDAC registration certificates, revenue receipts, and quick transfer documents, many of which contained the names of retired NAFDAC personnel to add legitimacy.
“Some of the fraudulent documents presented at the press conference included a fake NAFDAC Registration Certificate issued to Thani Almaeeni Trading Group; counterfeit revenue receipts showing payments ranging from ₦6.8 million to ₦20.9 million; a fraudulent processing requirements document purportedly signed by a former NAFDAC director and fake swift transfer advice copies, proving payments made by victims.”
She added that NAFDAC had identified other overseas corporations that had fallen victim to the scam, including those from China, Japan, Poland, South Korea, and the United States. She said that these corporations were duped into paying for false product registrations for things such as condoms, vegetable oil, and beverages. She assured that the bureau will step up its assault on fraudulent activity.
Adeyeye stated that the case will be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. The EFCC intends to use the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to reclaim assets illegally obtained by the fraudsters. She also assured the public that NAFDAC has increased its investigative and enforcement units, including the deployment of additional police officers to track down fraudsters.
Adeyeye urged businesses to register items exclusively through proper NAFDAC channels, sending them to the official NAFDAC registration page for verification. She added, “We will not allow any criminal activity that harms NAFDAC’s brand or exploits innocent businesses. The people should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. NAFDAC will continue to examine the entire scope of the fraud, and additional arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.”
