NAFDAC Accuses VeryDarkMan of Aiding Fake Drug Syndicate, Warns Against Incitement

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has accused controversial social media personality, VeryDarkMan, of collaborating with fake drug merchants to incite public unrest against the agency and undermine its regulatory efforts.

In a trending video, the influencer is seen among protesting traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State, alleging that NAFDAC officials demanded bribes ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦700,000 before reopening shops shut down during a clampdown on fake and unwholesome medicines.

Reacting to the video, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a statement refuting the claims. She confirmed that the market was officially reopened on March 9, 2025, with over 2,500 traders and 3,500 shops resuming operations after complying with regulatory procedures.

According to Prof. Adeyeye, “Only a few shops remain closed — those whose owners have refused to come forward or are involved in banned narcotics according to our database.”

She further clarified that the agency, in collaboration with state governments, granted the traders a moratorium to relocate to a regulated Coordinated Warehouse Centre where their operations could be better monitored and held accountable for past violations.

NAFDAC described the video as a deliberate act of misinformation and warned that it may breach the Cybercrime Act. “The attention of NAFDAC has been drawn to the misleading information in the viral video inciting traders, which may amount to a criminal offence,” she said.

The DG accused VeryDarkMan of attempting to sabotage lawful enforcement actions taken in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser. “The cartel and their online allies are diverting attention from their crimes against public health,” she added.

She concluded by stating that law enforcement agencies will determine whether the influencer’s actions constitute a violation of Nigerian laws, particularly concerning the incitement of the public through social media content.

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