Renowned human rights activist and former senator, Shehu Sani, has raised the alarm over threats to the life of Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sani passionately called for immediate protection for the NAFDAC boss, warning that criminal elements in the food and drug industry are determined to silence her.
Professor Adeyeye, known for her relentless fight against fake drugs and adulterated food products, recently disclosed receiving threats—an apparent retaliation from manufacturers of substandard and deadly consumables whose illicit trade she has consistently disrupted.
“Without a doubt, the manufacturers of fake drugs and adulterated foods are at the center of this. She has become their nightmare by courageously and consistently bursting their evil and deadly business while protecting the lives of Nigerians,” Sani stated.
Drawing parallels between Professor Adeyeye and the late Dora Akunyili, the revered former NAFDAC DG who led a similar war against counterfeit drugs, Sani emphasized that any threat to her life is a direct attack on all Nigerians. He warned that those behind these threats are desperate to operate without scrutiny, producing lethal food and drinks in makeshift factories that could endanger countless lives, including those of children.
Professor Adeyeye has not only upheld the high standards set by Akunyili but has also intensified efforts to rid Nigeria of dangerous consumables. Her crackdown on illicit drug manufacturers and distributors has saved lives, making her a target for those who thrive in an unregulated environment.
Shehu Sani’s call for protection comes at a critical time, as Nigerians demand swift action from security agencies to safeguard Professor Adeyeye’s life and ensure that her mission to protect public health continues without intimidation or interference.
With the fight against fake drugs and adulterated food at a critical juncture, will the government rise to the occasion and defend one of its most fearless reformers? The answer could determine the future of food and drug safety in Nigeria.