The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned a 30-year-old Lagos-based trader, Chidera Kolins Chukwuka, before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Alagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged involvement in the production and distribution of unwholesome processed food items.

Chukwuka was docked on a six-count charge bordering on unlawful possession, manufacture, distribution, and display of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry, and Gordon’s Dry Gin.

According to the counsel for the prosecution, Isa Ali, the offences are contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004, and punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the same Act.

During the arraignment, the prosecutor informed the court that a six-count charge had been filed against the defendant and requested that it be read to enable him to enter his plea.

Chukwuka pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following the plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre pending trial.

With no legal representation present to oppose the application, Justice Alagoa granted the request and ordered the defendant’s remand.

The case was subsequently adjourned to June 1, 2026, for trial.

According to the charge, the defendant was allegedly apprehended on April 14, 2026, at No. 30 Apongbon, Lagos Island, where he was found in possession of the unwholesome products.

Further counts allege that Chukwuka packaged the products in a misleading manner, failed to register them as required under Nigerian law, and distributed and displayed them for sale to the public.

The charges also cite violations of the Food and Drugs Act, Cap. F32, LFN, 2004, and the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act, Cap. F33, LFN, 2004.

(Nigerian Tribune)

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