The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has secured a 40-year jail term against two individuals convicted of peddling fake alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.
In a statement on Monday, the agency said the suspects faced an eight-count charge that included possession of unwholesome foods, manufacturing counterfeit and unregistered beverages, aiding production, misleading packaging, and distributing/selling unregistered products.
The suspects, Mr. Nelson Aziakpono and Mr. Ikegwuonu Ikechukwu, were convicted at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi by Justice Alagwa J.
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The court found both defendants guilty on all eight counts and sentenced each to five years’ imprisonment per count — totaling 40 years — or a fine of N10 million per count.
NAFDAC said the convictions 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.
Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized the agency’s commitment to consumer safety, highlighting the severe health risks posed by adulterated alcoholic products, and pledged intensified enforcement.
She commended the judiciary for the judgement, describing it as a strong deterrent to peddlers of fake products.
Adeyeye urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.
