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Updated: Fake COVID-19 vaccines are being imported into Nigeria, NAFDAC warns
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has reports of the importation of fake COVID-19 vaccines into Nigeria.
Director General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, who stated this during a virtual press conference, urged Nigerians to avoid the fake vaccines, saying, “They can cause COVID-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill.”
She said the agency had not received any application from COVID vaccine manufacturers yet and therefore no vaccines had been approved by NAFDAC.
“COVID-19 vaccines are new, and the side effects or adverse effects must be well monitored, therefore, if NAFDAC does not approve, the public should not use,” the NAFDAC boss said.
Adeyeye said no government establishment or agencies should order COVID-19 vaccines without confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccine had been approved.
However, she said NAFDAC “is discussing with manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines” concerning potential Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA), registration or licensing of their product.
She assured applicants that if Phase 3 clinical data are very convincing and robust with regard to safety and efficacy, and the vaccine submitted for WHO for Emergency Use Listing, “NAFDAC will welcome the application for Emergency Use Authorisation in Nigeria.”
She added that companies manufacturing the vaccines cold submit their application to NAFDAC if genuine.
On the issue of the EUA, the NAFDAC DG said it would use “reliance” or “recognition” to expedite action on approvals for vaccines already approved by more matured regulatory authorities.
However, she said that the full dossier submitted by the manufacturer or Market Authorisation Holder (MAH) would be thoroughly reviewed by the vaccine committee made up of multiple directorates in the agency – Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Drug Evaluation and Research, Pharmacovigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance, Drug, Biologics and Vaccines Laboratory Services.
Despite the use of Reliance for the EUA, NAFDAC DG said it would note clinical peculiarities in form of serious or Adverse Effects Following Immunisation (AEFIs) in the dossier or application as a guide and caution on what to look out for in each subject after immunisation.
She said that the agency had been training its personnel for this very important aspect of the immunisation.
“The agency established COVID-19 Vaccine Committee that has been busy developing the guidelines and guidance. NAFDAC is the first National Regulatory Agency in Africa to have Guidance on Regulatory Preparedness for EUA, Licensing or Access to COVID-19 Vaccines.
“NAFDAC initiated multi-stakeholder collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), UNICEF, WHO and Ministry of Health. The focus is to use a holistic approach for the effective immunisation or delivery of the vaccines and monitor any Adverse Effects Following Immunisation (AEFI).
“The agency will also use its recently launched Med Safety App for Active Pharmacovigilance of the vaccines in collaboration with the sister agencies. The App is free, and millions of healthcare workers can download it free for ADR reporting. In-country training on the use of the App has begun for the healthcare givers,” she said.
The NAFDAC boss said once approval was given by the agency, it would thoroughly monitor the distribution and use of COVID-19 vaccines in the country to safeguard Nigerians from any possible adverse effects.
Adeyeye said NAFDAC planned to use the traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution in Nigeria using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
She said the goal was to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and to ensure there was no diversion, adding that the effort would create a reliable and predictable supply chain.
According to her, a multi-stakeholder technical working group has been meeting to address different issues, from access to distribution to traceability (track and trace) of the vaccines, to monitoring of adverse effects following immunisation.
Lagos reopens two isolation centres
Meanwhile, Lagos State Government has announced that it will be reopening two COVID-19 isolation centres which were initially decommissioned, following the increased cases of coronavirus in the state.
According to the state Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi, the reopening will boost confidence in tackling cases as they arise.
Abayomi said, “Just to be on the safe side, we are reopening two of our decommissioned facilities, that is at Ajah and Ikeja. We are also reopening Gbagada isolation facility.
“This is just to give us the confidence that in case we suddenly continue to see higher numbers of severe cases, we will have somewhere to manage them.”
The commissioner also revealed that the state government was working on building oxygen plants for more health facilities.
Abayomi added, “In addition, we are making our own oxygen so we just erected the first of two plants at IDH. The second one will be at Gbagada and that plant produces oxygen on the grounds of our hospital and it can produce up to 60 cylinders a day. A very sick patients can use up to four or six cylinders in 24 hours.”
- The story was first published by Thisday and adapted by Newstrends with minimum correction.
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Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
Reports circulating online suggest that Rufai Oseni, a prominent anchor with Arise News, has been suspended by the station, but the development remains unverified as of press time.
The claim, which began trending on social media platforms and was later amplified by various online posts, has not been officially confirmed by Arise News management or by Oseni himself.
As of now, there is no statement from Arise News, no internal memo made public, and no confirmation from credible mainstream media outlets regarding the alleged suspension.
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- Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
- Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
The lack of official confirmation means the story remains at the level of a developing report, with details still unclear, including the reason for the alleged suspension, its duration, or whether any disciplinary action has indeed been taken.
Rufai Oseni is one of Arise News’ most recognisable broadcasters, known for his hard-hitting interviews and political analysis programmes, which has contributed to the wide attention the report is currently generating online.
Media observers note that in situations like this, verification from official sources is necessary before the claim can be treated as confirmed news.
For now, the alleged suspension remains unconfirmed, and further updates are expected once Arise News or the broadcaster issues an official statement.
Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
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Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing multiple corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling marks a major development in the high-profile trial, although full details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report. The court’s decision comes amid intensified legal proceedings involving several corruption allegations linked to his time in office.
El-Rufai’s bail was granted shortly after he appeared before a Kaduna State High Court under heavy security for a related proceeding concerning a separate bail application in another ICPC-linked case. The back-to-back court appearances reflect the complexity and multi-layered nature of the cases against the former governor.
Court proceedings were reportedly conducted under tight security, with journalists initially restricted from accessing the courtroom, further heightening public interest in the matter.
During earlier sittings, the prosecution was said to have amended the charge sheet, restructuring the case from an initial joint trial involving El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, to a sole-defendant arrangement after Sule was dropped from the case.
READ ALSO:
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- Bandits Kill 3, Abduct 5 in Fresh Attacks on Kogi Communities
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The defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ubong Akpan, reportedly expressed surprise over the amended charges, stating that the new documents were served in court without prior notice, which contributed to delays in the proceedings.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 14, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, which has now resulted in the Federal High Court granting bail.
The ICPC alleges that the former governor was involved in several financial infractions during his tenure, including the alleged release of about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed.
He is also accused of approving and receiving approximately ₦289.8 million as severance allowance beyond legally permitted limits, alongside allegations of financial misconduct involving a World Bank-linked loan reportedly valued at over $1.08 million.
Other allegations include the controversial award of a ₦4.6 billion CCTV surveillance contract in Kaduna State allegedly in violation of procurement laws, as well as claims of conspiracy to obstruct or influence federal investigators.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is also facing additional charges bordering on money laundering, conversion, and alleged unlawful possession of public assets.
He has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his administration followed due process in all financial and contractual decisions.
The ICPC has not yet issued an updated statement following the bail ruling, while further proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court determines the substantive issues in the case.
The development adds to growing national attention on anti-corruption enforcement and the prosecution of high-profile political figures in Nigeria, particularly amid renewed debates over governance accountability and public financial management.
Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
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Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
Governor Bala Mohammed has presented more than 114 official vehicles to newly appointed emirs and district heads across Bauchi State, in a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in Nigeria and improving grassroots governance.
The presentation took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, and was officially announced by the governor via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle. He described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to deepen community engagement, enhance local administration, and promote closer collaboration between government and traditional rulers.
According to the governor, the distribution of vehicles is designed to support traditional leaders in performing their duties more effectively, particularly in areas of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.
He stated that his administration remains committed to ensuring that both existing and newly created emirates, chiefdoms, and districts are adequately supported to make governance more inclusive and responsive at the grassroots level.
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
The governor also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Bauchi State, urging traditional rulers to remain non-partisan and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
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- Bandits Kill 3, Abduct 5 in Fresh Attacks on Kogi Communities
- Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”
- Tinubu Declares End to “Broken Revenue System”, Unveils New Economic Reforms
He noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in maintaining security and promoting development across communities, adding that their role in mobilising citizens cannot be overstated.
The Bauchi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Commissioner Isa Babayo Tilde, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers, describing them as essential stakeholders in maintaining order and ensuring effective governance.
The Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, who spoke on behalf of other traditional leaders, expressed appreciation to the state government and assured that the vehicles would be used responsibly for official duties and the benefit of the people.
The fleet of vehicles reportedly includes 14 GMC saloon cars, Toyota buses, Toyota Hilux vans, and over 100 Toyota Camry cars allocated to district heads across the state.
Governor Mohammed, who was first elected in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2023, has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening local governance structures. His tenure is expected to end in 2027.
This is not the first time the administration has supported traditional institutions. In April 2022, the Bauchi State Government also distributed vehicles to district heads and local government chairpersons as part of similar empowerment initiatives.
While supporters describe the latest gesture as a boost to governance efficiency, critics often raise concerns about public spending priorities amid economic challenges in the country.
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
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