Rivers Government Shuts Eight Health Facilities, Arrests Four Over Quackery
In its relentless effort to end the menace of quackery in Rivers State, the State’s Ministry of Health has recently sealed another eight health facilities and arrested four persons for alleged medical quackery, impersonation and operating unregistered health establishments during its October inspection and enforcement exercise.
The highlight of the operation was the discovery of an alleged illegal health facility operating within a residential compound at Number 27, Victoria Street, where two suspects, identified as Ataisi Jephtha and Mgboawaji Edwin, were reportedly apprehended while allegedly attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on an unsuspecting patient.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this on Wednesday October 14, 2026 while updating journalists on the activities of the state’s anti-quackery campaign.
According to the Ministry, Ataisi Jephtha, who allegedly paraded himself as a surgeon, and his accomplice were immediately arrested, while the facility was sealed. Five other hospitals and two laboratory centres were also shut down for allegedly operating below the required minimum standards and without proper registration.
Wachukwu, who is also the chairman of Aniti-quackery Committee in Rivers State, warned that licensed medical practitioners who operate in unregistered or substandard health facilities will also face penalties in line with the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN.
He reiterated the need for health facilities and practitioners to comply with established regulatory standards to safeguard public health and protect residents from the dangers of unqualified medical practice.
The Permanent Secretary concluded that the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained inspections and enforcement actions against illegal and substandard health facilities across Rivers State.
