By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal High Court of Nigeria has convicted two men for producing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State, sentencing them to a combined total of 40 years in prison.
The convicts, 58-year-old Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono and 28-year-old Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, were found guilty by Justice Allagoa J. of offences linked to the production, possession, sale, and distribution of adulterated and unregistered alcoholic drinks within the state.
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Their conviction followed an enforcement operation carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market, where authorities uncovered large quantities of fake and unregistered alcoholic beverages.
Items recovered during the raid included counterfeit bottles branded as Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy Very Special, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s Blended Scotch Whisky, and Gordon’s Dry Gin.
The products were found to be counterfeit, unwholesome, unregistered, or misleadingly packaged.
Following their arrest, the defendants were charged on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit beverages, and related offences under applicable laws.
“The defendants were charged on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit beverages, and related offences under applicable laws,” the statement said.
The case was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring unsafe products do not find their way into the market.
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NAFDAC warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose serious health risks to consumers and stressed that the agency would intensify enforcement actions nationwide to clamp down on illegal production and distribution networks.
The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, noting that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against counterfeit and harmful goods.
