Kano Police Arrest Fake Health Workers Running Illegal Medical Outreach

The Kano State Ministry of Health, along with the Private Health Institutions Management Agency, the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, and the Kano State Police Command, has arrested some people accused of running an illegal medical outreach in Panshekara, Kumbotso Local Government Area. This is part of ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of residents.

Nabilusi Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement said the suspects were arrested after receiving reliable information from alert members of the public about the unauthorized medical activity.

"We acted immediately upon receiving the report. A joint team from the Ministry of Health, PHIMA, and KNCDC was sent to the area, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

"We then contacted the Kano State Police Command, and the suspects are currently in police custody at the Bompai Headquarters for further investigation," the Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Yusuf, said.

Yusuf explained that the suspects were operating under the name Brother Paul Legacy Foundation, which they claimed was a non-governmental organization. They were handing out registration cards with the organization’s name and collecting money from unsuspecting people while pretending to provide medical services.

He added that initial investigations by officials from the Ministry of Health, PHIMA, and KNCDC showed that the mastermind and other suspects were not qualified health professionals and did not have any recognized health-related certificates.

The commissioner pointed out that the registration cards issued by the suspects had an address in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. These cards falsely promised "free treatment" to lure unsuspecting victims into their illegal operation.

Yusuf urged residents to stay alert and not use the services of unlicensed individuals or self-proclaimed healthcare providers. He stressed that medical services should only be sought from government-approved health facilities and licensed healthcare professionals.

He praised the state police command, led by Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori, and his officers for their swift action.

Yusuf also thanked the public-spirited individuals whose quick report led to the suspects' arrest, calling their actions a demonstration of how important citizens are in protecting public health.

The commissioner called on the public to report any suspicious or illegal medical activities to the right authorities. He reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to fighting quackery, protecting lives, and making sure healthcare services in the state are safe, ethical, and properly regulated.