The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has exposed a sophisticated fraud syndicate that has been impersonating the agency to scam foreign businesses using counterfeit documents. This revelation followed a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which fell victim to the scheme.
In a statement issued by NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the agency disclosed that the operation was led by Ikoro Mang Ifendu, who was arrested on February 7, 2025, in Aba, Abia State. Ifendu allegedly defrauded multiple foreign firms by posing as a NAFDAC official and issuing fake approvals and certificates.
How the Scam Operated
NAFDAC revealed that the syndicate employed a complex three-step scheme involving a buyer, a bank, and a lawyer. Here’s how it worked:
The Buyer: The fraudsters would contact foreign companies under the guise of purchasing goods for importation into Nigeria.
The Bank: Victims were introduced to a bank where they were informed that NAFDAC approval was required for the transaction.
The Lawyer: A supposed legal representative would then offer to facilitate the NAFDAC certification process for a fee.
Using this strategy, the group issued fake receipts and counterfeit NAFDAC certificates to unsuspecting victims. Investigations revealed that the syndicate managed 15 domiciliary accounts and 5 local accounts across seven Nigerian banks, with inflows exceeding $950,000 in Nigeria and $450,000 in offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Even after Ifendu’s arrest, victims continued sending money, with one recent transfer amounting to $75,000.
The fraudulent documents included:
A counterfeit Certificate of Registration for Dried Fish (Seafood) under NAFDAC Registration No. A2-7059.
Fabricated revenue receipts amounting to millions of naira.
Forged processing requirement documents purportedly signed by a retired NAFDAC director.
Fraudulent Swift Advice copies and telegraphic transfer records showing significant dollar transactions.
The syndicate also used fake letterheads under the name “HALI & CO Chambers,” operated by Ifendu and another accomplice named Rosemary Obosi.
Foreign Companies Affected
Several international companies fell victim to this scam. These include:
Thani Almaeeni Trading Group (UAE)
Japan Long Tie (China) Co. Ltd (China)
BEYOND-Korea (USA)
Aquaforest SP (Poland)
Nomea srl (Italy)
Tianyan Filter Cloth Co. Ltd (China)
Siam Canadian China Ltd (China)
NAFDAC has transferred the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. The probe will extend beyond NAFDAC-regulated products to track assets acquired through fraudulent activities under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
“This investigation will invoke POCA on all assets illegally acquired during these fraudulent activities,” NAFDAC stated.
NAFDAC has warned businesses against engaging unauthorized consultants or intermediaries claiming to facilitate product registrations. The agency urged firms to verify all registration processes directly through its official portal.
