Fake doctor arrest in Niger State as authorities shut 15 private health facilities over regulatory breaches and unsafe practices

The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency (NiSPHFA) has shut down 15 private health facilities and arrested a man accused of posing as a medical doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area.

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The Executive Chairman of NiSPHFA, Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, disclosed the development on Saturday following inspections conducted by the agency’s task force across selected private healthcare facilities in the area.

According to Suleiman, the operation was prompted by intelligence reports and routine regulatory checks aimed at sanitising the healthcare sector and protecting residents from unsafe medical practices.

The Fake Doctor Arrest occurred at Ellamara Specialist Hospital, which was subsequently sealed after inspectors allegedly discovered that the suspect had been providing medical services without the required qualifications, professional registration or a valid practising licence.

Suleiman said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had reportedly dropped out of medical school but continued to present himself as a qualified doctor.

“The suspect was also said to have been disengaged by a former employer over issues relating to his credentials and had allegedly been arrested in Cross River State in the past for a similar offence,” he said.

Investigators further alleged that the individual had practised as a medical doctor in Suleja for approximately six years before his arrest.

The agency said the enforcement exercise formed part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance and safeguard public health across the state.

Suleiman warned operators of private health facilities against employing unqualified personnel, stressing that the agency would not tolerate actions capable of endangering the lives of patients.

“The affected facility has been sealed pending the conclusion of investigations, while the suspect has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he stated.

Beyond the Fake Doctor Arrest, the agency disclosed that 15 private healthcare facilities were shut down during the operation for various regulatory violations.

The infractions included failure to meet operational standards, non-compliance with licensing requirements and other breaches of healthcare regulations.

The chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious healthcare practices to relevant authorities to help protect public health.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening oversight of private healthcare establishments and ensuring that only qualified professionals are allowed to provide medical services in the state.

The latest enforcement action underscores ongoing efforts by health regulators to improve standards within the private healthcare sector and prevent unqualified individuals from offering medical treatment to unsuspecting patients.