The Kano State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Private Health Institutions Management Agency, the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, and the Kano State Police Command, has arrested some suspects allegedly conducting an illegal medical outreach in Panshekara, Kumbotso Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of residents.

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

According to the statement, the arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence received from vigilant members of the public regarding the unauthorised medical activity.

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

“We subsequently 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, was quoted as saying.

Yusuf explained that the suspects were found operating under the name Brother Paul Legacy Foundation, a purported non-governmental organisation, where they were distributing registration cards bearing the organisation’s name and collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of providing medical services.

He further revealed that preliminary investigations conducted by officials of the Ministry of Health, PHIMA, and KNCDC established that the mastermind and the other suspects were neither qualified health professionals nor possessed any recognised health-related certification.

According to the commissioner, the registration cards issued by the suspects, which bear an address in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, falsely promised “free treatment” in an apparent attempt to lure unsuspecting victims into the illegal operation.

Yusuf urged residents to remain vigilant and refrain from patronising unlicensed individuals or self-acclaimed healthcare providers, emphasising that medical services should only be sought from government-approved health facilities and duly licensed healthcare professionals.

He also commended the state police command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, and his officers for their decisive intervention.

He further commended the public-spirited individuals whose timely report led to the arrest of the suspects, describing their action as a demonstration of the vital role citizens play in safeguarding public health.

The commissioner called on members of the public to promptly report any suspicious or illegal medical activities to the appropriate authorities, reaffirming the Kano State Government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating quackery, protecting lives, and ensuring that healthcare services across the state remain safe, ethical, and professionally regulated.