Niger Shuts 15 Private Clinics, Arrests Alleged Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown

The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency (NISPHFA) has sealed 15 private healthcare facilities and arrested a man accused of impersonating a medical doctor during a major enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area.

Executive Chairman of the agency, Abdullahi Suleiman, disclosed the development on Saturday following an inspection exercise carried out by the agency’s task force across selected private health establishments 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 and unprofessional medical practices.

Among the facilities affected was Ellamara Specialist Hospital, which was shut down after inspectors allegedly discovered an individual providing medical services without the required academic qualifications, professional registration and valid practising licence.

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

The agency further alleged that the suspect had practised as a doctor in Suleja for approximately six years.

He disclosed that investigations also indicated that the individual had previously been disengaged by a former employer over questions surrounding his credentials and had allegedly been arrested in Cross River State for a similar offence.

“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,” Suleiman stated.

He said the enforcement exercise formed part of the agency’s broader commitment to ensuring strict compliance with healthcare regulations and safeguarding public health across the state.

The NISPHFA chairman warned owners and operators of private healthcare facilities against employing unqualified personnel, stressing that the agency would not tolerate any action capable of endangering the lives of patients.

He disclosed that the affected hospital had been sealed pending the outcome of investigations, while the suspect had been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Suleiman further revealed that a total of 15 private health facilities were shut down during the operation for various regulatory violations, including failure to meet operational standards and non-compliance with licensing requirements.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious healthcare practices to relevant authorities.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery, Suleiman said NISPHFA would continue to strengthen oversight of private medical establishments to ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals provide healthcare services in Niger State.