NSCDC arrests chemist for allegedly collecting blood samples from students in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a patent medicine vendor, Adigun Kazeem, over the alleged collection of blood samples from students of CAC Adu Memorial Secondary School, Oke-Aro, Akure, Ondo State.
The samples were reportedly collected at a kiosk close to the school and allegedly sent to a laboratory for examination, with the students said to have received test results afterwards.
The NSCDC said its Safe School Unit began investigating the matter on September 21 after receiving information from the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology about the alleged exercise.
The command’s spokesperson, SC Daniel Aidamenbor, said investigators visited the school and traced the address of Zion-Gate Medical Diagnosis Service, which appeared on the laboratory reports, but could not find the facility at the stated location.
He said a man identified as Olugbenga Olusola Foge, who was allegedly responsible for the laboratory aspect of the operation, had yet to be apprehended, while Kazeem remained in custody to assist the investigation.
Aidamenbor added that the school principal, Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide, had been questioned and submitted a written statement, but denied that the school was involved in the collection of the students’ blood.
The incident came after the state Ministry of Education disowned the alleged blood testing, with its spokesperson, Bisi Lawani, saying blood tests were not approved as an admission requirement in the state’s schools.
The NSCDC said investigation was continuing to uncover those behind the alleged exercise and determine the circumstances under which the students’ blood samples were collected.
