The alarming rise of counterfeit consumer goods, adulterated foodstuffs, and fake pharmaceuticals across Nigerian markets has sparked widespread outrage, prompting high-profile entertainment figures to use their platforms to expose the growing crisis.

From unverified prescription drugs causing severe health complications to toxic alcoholic beverages and adulterated produce, these five Nigerian celebrities have publicly condemned unscrupulous merchants and called for urgent regulatory intervention.

1. TG Omori:

Prominent music video director ThankGod Omori Jesam, known as TG Omori or Boy Director, revealed that consuming adulterated alcoholic beverages at nightlife venues directly triggered his severe health battle and eventual kidney failure.

Speaking on national health trends on the Afropolitan podcast in September 2026, he labeled counterfeit drinks a public health disaster driving organ damage across the country.

"It’s all fun n jokes but fake drinks left me hospitalised most part of this year.bKidney failure has become a pandemic in Nigeria, and it’s the fake alcohol," he said.

2. Kiddwaya
Following major enforcement raids that uncovered illegal factories manufacturing fake beverages and packaged goods, former Big Brother Naija housemate Terseer Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, voiced his disgust at merchants endangering public safety for financial gain.

"Adulterating consumables, especially food and drink, is beyond evil. People are selling toxic, fake products to fellow human beings just for quick money. How do you sleep at night knowing what you’re selling could kill someone’s child or parent?"he asked.

3. Ruth Kadiri Award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Ruth Kadiri posted a passionate video message linking the surge in organ failure cases across the country to the consumption of fake drinks, canned goods, and adulterated market items. She urged citizens to turn in illegal manufacturers.

"NAFDAC needs to do more, but we as citizens also need to start calling out these people. Buying fake drinks, fake food, and fake medicine is killing us slowly. Kidney failure is everywhere now because of what people are putting in their bodies. If you know anyone producing fake products, speak up!" she posted.

4. Mary Remmy Njoku:

Nollywood actress and ROK TV executive Mary Remmy Njoku shared a personal scare after suffering severe side effects from purchasing counterfeit over-the-counter medicine at a local pharmacy, warning fans to double-check every prescription.

"I almost took something that could have done serious damage to my health, all because someone decided to package chalk or worse as real medicine. Fake drugs in Nigeria are a silent pandemic. Please, verify everything you buy at the pharmacy. We cannot continue like this," she said.

5. Charly Boy

Veteran entertainer and social advocate Charles Oputa (Charly Boy) called on regulatory authorities, including NAFDAC and the Federal Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to treat counterfeit drug and food producers as violent criminals rather than simple traders.

"The level of fake products in our markets today is purely wicked. Anyone caught making or selling fake food, drinks, or drugs should be treated as a murderer because that is exactly what they are doing—killing people for profit." she said.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have intensified joint market raids across major hubs, shutting down illegal manufacturing sites in markets like Aba, Onitsha, and Lagos.

Medical experts continue to warn that ingestion of adulterated consumables containing industrial chemicals and unverified active ingredients is a leading contributor to the sharp increase in liver failure, kidney disease, and sudden organ damage among young Nigerians.

ID