By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has secured a 40-year jail term against two individuals convicted of producing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.
In a statement on Monday, the agency said the suspects, Nelson Aziakpono and Ikegwuonu Ikechukwu, were charged on an eight-count indictment covering possession of unwholesome foods, manufacturing counterfeit and unregistered beverages, aiding production, misleading packaging, and distribution of unregistered products.
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The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, presided over by Justice Alagwa J., found the defendants guilty on all counts and sentenced them to five years imprisonment for each count, or alternatively, a fine of N10 million per count, effectively totaling 40 years or N80 million.
NAFDAC said the offenders violated provisions of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act, the Food and Drugs Act, and the Food, Drugs and Related Products Act.
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The agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to consumer safety, highlighting the severe health risks posed by adulterated alcoholic beverages and pledging intensified enforcement efforts.
Adeyeye also commended the judiciary for the judgment, describing it as a strong deterrent to others involved in the circulation of fake products, and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office across the country.
