After TheCable’s undercover report, FG vows to crack down on COVID test racketeers

The federal government, through the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19, has vowed to go after those behind fake COVID-19 test results.

Boss Mustapha, PTF chairman and secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), stated this on Thursday following an investigation by TheCable which uncovered fake COVID-19 testing scam.

TheCable had exposed how government officials imitate COVID-19 test reports in exchange for bribe from travellers.

Those leaving and entering Nigeria are mandated to carry out coronavirus tests to show they are not carriers of the virus before embarking on their journey.

Obiora Emenike, a member of staff of the port health services (PHS) department under the federal ministry of health, had collected N20,000 as bribe from the reporter who had embarked on an undercover investigation to expose the scam.

In return, he sent the reporter the fabricated result showing that he tested negative for the coronavirus, even though his sample was not tested for the virus by any laboratory.

TheCable also found out that Emenike was working with one Kayo Inyang, a medical doctor at the federal ministry of health.

The investigation generated widespread calls from Nigerians who took to social media to demand concrete steps from the government to curb the scam.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the PTF showcased TheCable report and vowed to go after citizens who “do everything to frustrate” the government’s response to the pandemic.

Mustapha said the government has also commenced an investigation into the incident.

“The PTF has observed rather sadly the activities of unscrupulous citizens who do everything to frustrate the transparency infused into the processes of our national response,” Mustapha said.

“The first is the report on social media relating to the procurement of fake COVID PCR certificates. I am pleased to inform you that this is being investigated and technology-backed measures have been taken to limit such activities.”

Sani Aliyu, national coordinator of the task force, said a committee had been set up to investigate the findings.

“Committee has been set up to investigate this and all those involved and found to culpable will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.