Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory authority has scored a major legal victory in its crackdown on counterfeit beverages, securing a combined 40-year prison sentence against two Lagos-based suspects caught producing and distributing fake alcoholic drinks.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced Monday that Nelson Aziakpono and Ikegwuonu Ikechukwu were convicted on all eight counts before Justice Alagwa at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. Each defendant received five years per count, totaling 40 years apiece, though the court also offered an alternative fine of N10 million per count.
The charges against the duo were wide-ranging — from possessing unwholesome foods and manufacturing counterfeit, unregistered beverages, to misleading packaging, aiding illegal production, and distributing products that had never received regulatory approval. Prosecutors argued the defendants had violated multiple federal laws governing food safety and consumer protection, including the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye welcomed the ruling, highlighting the serious health dangers posed by adulterated alcohol and reaffirming the agency’s intention to step up enforcement across the country. She praised the judiciary for delivering what she described as a landmark judgment, expressing hope that the stiff sentence would discourage others tempted to cut corners with public health.
Members of the public were urged to stay alert and report any suspicious food or drug-related activities to their nearest NAFDAC office.
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