A 43-year-old man, Oluwafemi Akinsanmi, has been brought before an Ikeja Magistrates' Court in Ogba, Lagos State, over allegations of stealing pharmaceutical products worth ₦3.3 billion. The court proceedings took place on Thursday.
The case against Akinsanmi involves a two-count charge of dishonest conversion and stealing. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The alleged offences are said to have occurred in August 2025 at Lake View Estate, Phase 2, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
The prosecution, led by SP Josephine Ikhayere, claims that Akinsanmi dishonestly converted pharmaceutical products belonging to Visko Pharmacy Ltd to his personal use. He is also accused of stealing the products valued at ₦3.3 billion. The police investigation led to Akinsanmi's arrest.
The alleged crimes contravene the provisions of section 280(b) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. Magistrate L.A. Owolabi granted Akinsanmi bail in the sum of ₦400,000 with sureties in like sum. The case has been adjourned until April 21 for further hearing.
The recent case of Oluwafemi Akinsanmi, accused of stealing ₦3.3 billion worth of pharmaceutical products, raises serious concerns about the scale of theft in Nigeria's healthcare sector. The alleged conversion of products belonging to Visko Pharmacy Ltd highlights the vulnerability of businesses in the sector. The police investigation and subsequent arrest of Akinsanmi are a welcome development, but the case also underscores the need for stronger laws to protect businesses from such theft. The Lagos State government must take a closer look at the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 to ensure that it effectively deters such crimes. For Nigerians, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the healthcare sector.
