The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday said it had nabbed Ikoro Mang Ifendu, the kingpin of a fraudulent syndicate impersonating its officials and using forged documents to defraud foreign companies.  

In a statement on Friday, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, disclosed that Mr Ifendu, a resident of Aba, Abia State, was arrested on February 7, 2025, following a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE.The company had applied to register dried fish (seafood) but was deceived into paying large sums under false pretenses.  

Mr Ifendu, NAFDAC said, “falsified documents, including fake product registration certificates, revenue receipts, and telegraphic transfer documents used to extort unsuspecting businesses.” 

According to NAFDAC, investigations revealed that the syndicate operated an elaborate scheme involving fraudulent legal and banking channels. They lured foreign companies into making payments for counterfeit NAFDAC registration certificates and receipts.  

It added, “The group controlled at least 15 domiciliary accounts and five local accounts across seven Nigerian banks, with over $950,000 flowing through these accounts and an estimated $450,000 deposited in offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Some victims continue to send money, with a recent alert showing an additional $75,000 deposit.”

Urging the public and companies seeking NAFDAC approvals to visit its official website for product registration and verification, NAFDAC said Mr Ifendu’s case would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).