Police Nab Fake Veterinary Doctor for Using Sister’s UNN Degree Certificate to Sell Expired Drugs in Lagos

Police Nab Fake Veterinary Doctor for Using Sister’s UNN Degree Certificate to Sell Expired Drugs in Lagos

By Chinwe Chinwe

A woman named Mrs Aneneofor Nnenna Esther was discovered and taken into custody by police officers from Zone 2 Command in Onikan, Lagos, for using her elder sister’s University of Nigeria degree certificate to sell expired animal medications to residents of the state under the guise of a veterinarian.

Mrs Esther was reportedly apprehended at her workplace, which is situated at 24 Adelemo Street, Glory Land Estate, Super Saver bus stop, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

The police operation, which lasted for several hours and was directed by one Supol Andrew, was noteworthy, as he recovered multiple expired medications that she was selling to unwitting individuals while posing as a licensed and certified veterinary practitioner.

It is alleged that the suspect, Mrs Esther, a secondary school dropout with no formal veterinary training, used her sister Peace Aforma Ukatu’s certificate—a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who lives in the Eastern region of Nigeria—illegally to pose as a licensed veterinary professional.

For years before her current arrest, she used falsified credentials and documents to deceive clients and regulatory bodies, which exacerbates the alleged criminal impersonation.

Her arrest came after a respectable organisation dedicated to preserving professional integrity and the rule of law in the community petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command AIG Adegoke Fayoade.

The petition reads,

“We categorically condemn all forms of criminality and unethical conduct, and it is in this spirit that we bring to your attention a matter of grave concern that threatens public safety, animal welfare, and the credibility of veterinary practice in Nigeria.”

This petitioner concerns the unlawful and unethical activities of Mrs Aneneofor Nnenna Esther, who is currently operating a veterinary facility along Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos State, under false pretences and in blatant violation of multiple statutory provisions.

Police findings revealed that the facility operated by Mrs Esther is not registered with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and fails to meet the minimum standards required for lawful operation.

Her unauthorised practice not only undermines the integrity of the veterinary profession but also poses a serious threat to animal health and public safety.

She was exposed by concerned citizens who had serious concerns about her possession, sale, and administration of expired and counterfeit veterinary drugs to unsuspecting clients.

These actions constitute a direct violation of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act and the guidelines of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The sale and administration of expired and fake drugs further aggravated the situation, exposing animals and their owners to significant health risks and violating public health regulations.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayuba Umma, when contacted, informed our correspondent that the matter was being investigated by the police and that the suspect will face charges in court if proven guilty following the conclusion of the investigation.

As of right now, the Veterinary Practitioners Association has not responded to the enquiry about Mrs Esther’s membership or if she was given the permission to utilise her sister’s licence to practise in Lagos State without having any prior experience in the field.