The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action against alleged fraudulent practices within the food and beverage industry. In a recent development, a 40-year-old businessman, Chinedu Okafor, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday.
Okafor, the proprietor of ‘Sky Blue Company,’ stands accused of multiple infractions related to the production and distribution of counterfeit aromatic Schnapps and fruit juice wines.
According to the prosecution counsel, A. Ali, Okafor was apprehended at his residence in Badagry, Lagos State, on April 26. It is alleged that he was actively engaged in the production and processing of Apple Multi Fruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, and Lord’s Gin. The charges brought against Okafor include manufacturing, dealing, selling, distributing, and possessing unwholesome processed food items.
Furthermore, Okafor is accused of distributing these products without proper registration, contravening Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Unwholesome Processed Foods Act. These actions are punishable under various sections of the Food and Drugs Act, 2004.
During the court proceedings, Okafor pleaded not guilty to all counts. Despite lacking legal representation, he maintained his innocence. In response, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody until the resolution of the charges.
Presiding over the case, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted the prosecution’s request and ordered Okafor to be remanded in a correctional facility. The trial is scheduled to commence on July 10, 2024.
This legal action underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health by combatting the proliferation of counterfeit and unregistered food products in the market.