The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Tuesday arraigned a Lagos-based trader, Chidera Chukwuka, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged unlawful possession, manufacture, distribution and display of unwholesome processed alcoholic products.
Chukwuka, 30, was arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a six-count charge bordering on alleged production and sale of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry and Gordon’s Dry Gin.
At the proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Isa Ali, informed the court that the agency had filed a six-count charge against the defendant and urged the court to direct that the charge be read for pleas.
The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as well as the Food and Drugs Act and the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act.
Following the reading of the charge, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
In view of the plea, the prosecutor applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
As the defendant was not represented by counsel and there was no counter-application to the prosecution’s request, Justice Alagoa ordered that Chukwuka be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to June 1, 2026, for commencement of trial.
According to the charge marked FHC/L/279C/26, the defendant was allegedly found on April 14, 2026, at No. 30 Apongbon, Lagos Island, Lagos State, in possession of unwholesome processed alcoholic products.
NAFDAC alleged that Chukwuka unlawfully manufactured counterfeit products branded as Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry and Gordon’s Dry Gin.
The agency further alleged that he packaged the products in a misleading manner as to their safety and authenticity.
One of the counts alleged that the defendant manufactured unregistered processed food products contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act.
Another count accused him of distributing the allegedly unregistered products within Lagos State.
The prosecution also accused the defendant of displaying the products for sale, contrary to Section 1(b) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
The charges are punishable under various provisions of the applicable statutes if proved.
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