NAFDAC investigates death of NYSC member in Enugu, links cause to "acute kidney injury"

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced investigation into the death of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the orientation camp in Awgu, Enugu State.

LIB reported that the deceased, Etimbuk Daniel, died on October 10, 2026, with reports linking the incident to the use of substandard and falsified medicines. 

The deceased was the immediate past Students' Union Government (SUG) president of the Akwa Ibom State University. 

However, in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026 and signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, NAFDAC dismissed the claims, saying preliminary investigations indicate his death may have resulted from acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock.

The Agency urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of death pending the outcome of it's investigations.

According to the statement, NAFDAC has commenced full investigation, with its officers already visiting the camp clinic, interviewing doctors and other health workers, and collecting samples of drugs administered to deceased corps member for laboratory analysis.

Explaining sequence of events leading to death NAFDAC said the corps member was brought to Camp clinic on Wednesday, 7th October, 2026 at about 9:00 pm, presenting symptoms suggestive of severe malaria and a history of peptic ulcer disease.

He was stabilised with intramuscular antimalarial injections and other supportive medications given intravenously. 

He was placed on bed rest for observation till Thursday morning when he was discharged with oral medications.

The Agency said he came back unaided on Saturday, 10th October, with right thigh pain, produce sweating and recurrent episodes of low blood pressure.

"Due to his deteriorating condition and poor urine output despite fluid resuscitation, he was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, where he became comatose. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful," the statement read.

"According to the preliminary clinical assessment, the suspected cause of death was acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock. 

“The Agency notes that the findings are preliminary and don not, in themselves, establish whether the medicines administered contributed to his death.

The Agency commiserated with the family of the deceased and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.