Queen Nwabueze
Security operatives in Abuja have arrested Dauda Abu-Huraira, an ad-hoc staff, of a COVID- 19 Vaccination Centre for issuing fake vaccination cards to some international travellers.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Head of Public Relations at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mal Mohammad Ohitoto, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The suspect, Dauda Abu-Huraira, was before his arrest a recorder at the COVID-19 vaccination site in Wuse General Hospital, Abuja.
Abu-Huraira was caught charging fees from clients and issuing them fake cards without going through the vaccination process.
However, unknown to the suspect, the NPHDA has put in place a foolproof and water-tight system that is almost impossible to beat, Ohitoto stated.
“The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, has warned that mechanisms are firmly on the ground to arrest all persons involved in issuing fake COVID-19 vaccination cards anywhere in Nigeria and have them prosecuted in court,” the statement said.
According to him, Shuaib praised the security personnel in the country for acting so professionally in nabbing the suspect.
The NPHCDA chief also commended the Port Health Officers for their collaboration in such efforts.
Ohitot said a few culprits have been arrested in the past in connection with the offence and they were already facing the consequences of their actions.
He concluded by urging the citizenry especially travellers to desist from obtaining fake cards without going through the vaccination process, in their own best interest.
Note that when people talk about vaccine passports, they simply mean a vaccination card or digital documentation that shows you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Many countries only accept U.S. travelers if they’ve been vaccinated, and may also require vaccinated travelers to show a recent COVID-19 test or proof of recovery. Other countries allow entry to unvaccinated travelers, but may require them to get tested or quarantine upon arrival.
Importantly, experts agree it’s a good idea to carry the physical card, even if you have a digital version as well. Even if you have digital proof of vaccination on your phone or other device, we recommend carrying the card. That way, if your battery dies, or your phone gets lost or broken, you’ll still be able to show your vaccination record.
“The physical C.D.C. card is precisely what you’ll need to travel anywhere that requires proof of vaccination,” says The New York Times’ travel columnist.”
