NAFDAC Secures 40-Year Jail Term for Dealers in Fake Alcoholic Beverages

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has secured a cumulative 40-year prison sentence against two individuals convicted for peddling fake alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency said the convicts Nelson Aziakpono and Ikegwuonu Ikechukwu  were prosecuted on an eight-count charge bordering on possession of unwholesome food products, production of counterfeit and unregistered beverages, aiding illegal manufacturing, misleading packaging, and the distribution and sale of unregistered products.

The suspects were convicted by the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Alagwa J.

The court found both defendants guilty on all counts and sentenced them to five years’ imprisonment on each of the eight counts or a fine of ₦10 million per count, amounting to a total of 40 years’ imprisonment.

NAFDAC said the offences contravened 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.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to consumer safety, warning that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose severe health risks to the public.

She commended the judiciary for the landmark judgement, describing it as a strong deterrent to criminal networks involved in fake and substandard products.

Adeyeye also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office across the federation, as the agency intensifies enforcement nationwide.