The Rivers State Ministry of Health has arrested seven persons for impersonation and certificate forgery, and sealed six health facilities over alleged quackery and child trafficking across the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry also Chairman of the Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on 23 June, 2026, noting that the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to sanitise the state’s healthcare system.
According to him, the committee has intensified inspections across local government areas, uncovering illegal medical practices, unregistered facilities, and unqualified individuals posing as healthcare providers.
Dr. Wachukwu said several facilities were sealed following investigations prompted by whistleblowers and community reports, adding that many were operated by untrained personnel without proper registration or certification.
Among the affected facilities is PLARIV Hospital located on Kreigani Road, Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The facility, reportedly operated by an unlicensed practitioner, allegedly conducted surgeries without formal training and ran an illegal training programme for over 60 unqualified nurses. The hospital’s registration was revoked, and the proprietor arrested for prosecution.
Similarly, Good Shepherd Hospital, also in Omoku, was sealed after its operator was found to be practising with a fake licence. Authorities said the facility carried out surgical procedures without proper qualifications and trained about 20 unlicensed nurses. The operator has been arrested and is facing charges of impersonation and certificate forgery.
In Port Harcourt, Blessed Goodnews Clinic on Bonny Street was shut down after it was discovered to be operating with rented medical licences. Investigators found that surgeries were conducted by unqualified individuals, while admitted patients reportedly received no proper medical review. The owner is currently at large, with a warrant issued for arrest.
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Estate Clinic in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area was also sealed for operating without registration and for allegedly breaking a previous government seal to continue illegal activities. All staff members were arrested and are undergoing prosecution.
In Emohua Local Government Area, a patent medicine shop in Ndele was closed following the alleged death of a 20-year-old woman after receiving an injection administered by an untrained operator. The suspect is currently being sought by authorities.
The ministry also sealed El Dona Hospital in Obio/Akpor over allegations of child trafficking and operating without registration. All staff members of the facility have been arrested.
Dr. Wachukwu acknowledged the challenges of combating quackery, likening it to fighting corruption, but expressed optimism that sustained enforcement and public support would yield results.
“We are not only focused on Port Harcourt; this is a statewide operation. As we intensify enforcement, we are seeing progress, and we remain committed to winning the fight against illegal medical practices,” he said.
He commended healthcare facilities operating within approved standards set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and reiterated the ministry’s commitment, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association and other stakeholders, to ensure quality healthcare delivery in Rivers State.
The anti-quackery exercise, he added, will continue as part of broader efforts to protect residents and restore confidence in the healthcare system.
