Ondo: Chemist operator arrested, Principal quizzed over blood tests on ‌‌‌students

 By Muftau Ogunyemi

A chemist shop proprietor identified as Adigun Kazeem has been in connection with the alleged blood tests conducted on new students at CAC Adu Memorial Secondary School, Oke-Aro, Akure, Ondo State capital.

Kazeem was the operator of the chemist shop allegedly used for the collection of the blood samples, the Ondo Command of Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps, NCDSC said in a statement on Wednesday.

NSCDC also revealed in the statement signed by its spokesperson for the command, SC Daniel Aidamenbor that the principal of the school, Mrs Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide has been interrogated and made written statement on the incident.

He explained that the school principal was assisting the command in establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged collection of students’ blood samples.

The command’s spokesperson said, however, the principal denied the involvement of the school in the act since the ministry of education had ban the use of blood test as requirement for admission.

Aidamenbor said that a laboratory, Zion-Gate Medical Diagnosis Service, was used to commit the offence, saying the command has retrieved a copy of laboratory results.

“On Sept. 21, the command’s head of Safe School Unit received a call from the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology about an illegal collection of blood sample from students at CAC Adu Memorial Secondary School, Oke-Aro, Akure.

“Upon receipt of the information, a team proceeded to the school to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the allegation.

“Investigation revealed that a kiosk/chemist shop located very close to the school was allegedly used to collect blood samples from students.

“It was further gathered that the blood samples were taken to a laboratory, after which the students were allegedly provided with laboratory results, usually the following day.

“The address stated on the laboratory result was traced by the team; however, the location of the said laboratory could not be ascertained when the physical address was traced,” he said.

Aidamenbor, however, said that the person, Mr Olugbenga Foge, reportedly in-charge of the laboratory aspect of the operation was currently at large.

“Preliminary investigation described Mr Olugbenga Olusola Foge as the main laboratory “expert,”

“Meanwhile, the owner/operator of the kiosk/chemist shop, Mr Adigun Kazeem, allegedly involved in the collection of the blood samples is in the custody.

“The arrested chemist shop owner will help in the investigation to track the main suspect and any other person(s) connected to the case,” he said.

The Ondo Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Bisi Lawani, had disowned the alleged blood testing conducted at the school. (NAN)