The Kano State Multi-Agency Committee on Illicit Drugs and Related Offences has arrested a former chairman of Rogo Local Government Area for allegedly selling and administering fentanyl injections to young people.

Chairman of the committee, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, disclosed the arrest in a video interview with a local media outlet on Monday.

He said the suspect was apprehended after an undercover operation confirmed allegations that he was supplying the dangerous substance.

He, however, did not disclose the identity of the former Chairman.

Rimingado explained that the investigation began after the committee arrested a young man whose hand had deteriorated severely following repeated injections.

The victim later identified the former council chairman as the source of the drugs.

“Our operatives followed the victim back to the suspect. He gave him money and was told to return later. When he came back, the suspect had concealed the drug in an envelope. As he was about to hand it over, our operatives moved in and arrested him,” Rimingado said.

He added that the suspect initially denied direct involvement, claiming the drugs were supplied from Sabon Gari Market.

However, the committee said it had obtained sufficient evidence, including the substance found in his possession, the victim’s testimony, and the suspect’s own statement.

The committee further revealed that the suspect’s medical facility had been shut down after authorities confirmed it was not properly licensed.

Rimingado alleged that the suspect had been operating without a valid nursing licence since 1985 and had even performed caesarean sections despite lacking the required qualifications.

According to Rimingado, the suspect has been charged under Section 249 of the Kano Penal Code, which covers offences involving the administration of harmful substances.

He stressed that the committee would present strong evidence before the court.

The victim reportedly told investigators he had spent more than N2 million on the injections over two years, a revelation Rimingado described as disturbing and indicative of the seriousness of drug abuse in the state. (Daily Trust)