The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has arrested several traders accused of attempting to alter the expiry dates of an expired milk product. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the leadership of Singer Market, where the alleged offence took place. According to the KCPC, the arrest was made possible by an emergency call from the Deputy Chairman of the Traders’ Association, Aminu Umar Dogara.
The Director of Monitoring of Traders and Products at the KCPC, Auwalu A. Muhammad, said that the council received a tip-off about the alleged malpractice within the market. Officials were immediately deployed to the scene to investigate the matter, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the closure of the affected shops. The KCPC is committed to protecting consumers from expired products and goods whose information, condition or quality has been altered in violation of the law.
The Executive Secretary of the KCPC, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, warned that anyone found guilty of violating consumers’ rights would be prosecuted and face the appropriate punishment. He commended market association leaders for their cooperation with the council in preventing the circulation of substandard and adulterated products in markets. This collaboration, he said, would contribute to protecting public health and consumers’ rights.
Dr Ibrahim also thanked the Kano State Government, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for its support and for allowing the council to discharge its responsibilities without interference. The KCPC’s efforts to protect consumers are in line with its mandate to ensure that traders operate within the law and that consumers are not exploited.
The KCPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, released a statement confirming the arrest of the traders and the sealing of their shops. The statement did not provide further details about the number of traders arrested or the quantity of expired milk products seized. However, it emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by consumers in Nigeria, where counterfeit and expired products are often sold in markets. The KCPC’s efforts to crack down on such practices are seen as a step in the right direction. Consumers have been urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The KCPC is working to ensure that traders operate transparently and within the law. The council’s efforts are aimed at protecting consumers from harm and promoting fair trade practices. The incident serves as a reminder to traders of the importance of adhering to the law and respecting consumers’ rights.
Key points
- KCPC arrests traders for allegedly altering expiry dates of expired milk products in Kano.
- Council seals shops linked to alleged offence and warns of prosecution for violators.
- KCPC commends market association leaders for cooperation in preventing circulation of substandard products.
