Residents of the Ojo–Ijanikin area were thrown into confusion on Tuesday after police uncovered a hidden pharmaceutical factory where large quantities of suspected fake drugs were being produced.

The operation, tucked away on the top floor of a crowded building, contained machines allegedly used to mix substances, package fake medicines, and even change the expiry dates on expired drugs.

According to the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, who briefed reporters during the raid yesterday, said a major source of counterfeit medicines posing serious risks to public health was discovered and sealed after days of undercover surveillance and intelligence by the divisional police within the area. 

“What we found in that building is alarming. These fake products could have cost innocent people their lives,” He said.

He revealed that the police are searching for a key figure identified only as “the developer,” believed to be the financier and mastermind behind the illegal operation.

The CP disclosed that the police will now work closely with NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies to track down all accomplices and ensure they face prosecution.

The Police Chief urged residents to verify the authenticity of medicines they purchase and assured the public that any information shared with them will be kept confidential as investigations continue.

A community health advocate, Mrs. Aisha Tijani, urged residents to be more vigilant when buying medicines.

“People need to double-check what they are consuming. This discovery shows that danger can be right in our neighbourhoods,” she warned.