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Daniel Adaji
Nearly two years after the Federal Government sealed Sacra Multi-Links Ltd, the manufacturer of the controversial Baban Aisha herbal mixture, the product has resurfaced in major markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including Dutse and Bwari markets in the Bwari Area Council.
On Saturday, Pointblank News observed hawkers in these bustling markets loudly advertising the herbal concoction with claims of curing ailments such as rheumatism and gonorrhea among others.
“My people, buy your Baban Aisha herbal mixture here, it cures all kinds of diseases including gonorrhea, rheumatism, infertility, ” a hawker said.
The product, primarily sold by street vendors, appears to have made a comeback despite previous regulatory actions.
In July 2023, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted a raid on Sacra Multi-Links Ltd’s factory in Tafa Local Government Area, Niger State. The raid followed an investigation that revealed the company was operating with an expired license and manufacturing unapproved products.
NAFDAC confirmed that the company’s product registration license was not renewed due to non-compliance with regulatory standards. The agency also noted that the company had been advertising the product for unapproved uses beyond its original indication for the management of pile and associated pains.
Umar Sulaiman, team lead for NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, explained, “We found multiple violations of good manufacturing practices (GMP), including the use of an expired license.”
He further stated that the factory, Sacra Multilink Ltd., was owned by Dr. Salisu Sani, also known as Nawagini Baban Aisha, and “he continued producing unregistered products and reused a single approved NAFDAC number for multiple items.”
Following the raid, NAFDAC sealed the factory, seized equipment, and arrested two staff members for their involvement in the illegal activities.
Nasiru Mato, NAFDAC’s coordinator in Kaduna State, commented, “As a result, we had no choice but to seal the premises and evacuate all related equipment and materials used in production.”
The managing director of Sacra Multi-Links Ltd, Alhaji Salisu Sani, was apprehended, and later, unregistered herbal preparations were discovered in his vehicle.
Despite these actions, the product has reappeared in FCT markets. Pointblank News reached out to NAFDAC’s media consultant, Dr. Sayo Akinola, for an update on the status of the ongoing probe and the product’s re-emergence in the market. However, as of the time of publication, no response has been received.
The resurgence of Baba Aisha herbal mixture raises concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory measures and the safety of consumers. While NAFDAC has previously warned against the use of the product due to safety risks, including potential liver and kidney damage, its return to the market suggests that enforcement efforts may need to be strengthened to protect public health.
As investigations continue, the public remains uncertain about the current status of the product’s safety and regulatory compliance. Consumers are advised to exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before using any herbal products.