NAFDAC Arraigns Traders Over Alleged Fake Liquor, Unwholesome Vegetable Oil

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned two traders before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of allegedly importing and distributing unwholesome vegetable oil and manufacturing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

The defendants, Ifeanyi Jasper, 54, and Uchenna Ekezie, 48, were docked before the court on separate charges filed against them by NAFDAC.

Jasper, who trades as Femic Bridge Point, faces a four-count charge in suit number FHC/LAG/CR/818/2026 over the alleged possession, importation and distribution of unwholesome, unregistered vegetable oil identified as Aro Rapsol.

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The prosecution, led by Anita Madu, alleged that operatives of the agency found Jasper with the product at Trinity Warehouse in the Ojo area of Lagos State on April 1, 2026.

He was also accused of conspiring with and aiding a person identified as Akodow, who is said to live in Germany and is currently at large, in the alleged importation and distribution of the product.

In a separate seven-count charge, marked FHC/LAG/CR/656/2026, Ekezie was accused of manufacturing, storing, distributing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages, and dealing in the products under insanitary conditions.

The prosecutor informed the judge that Ekezie was arrested on July 15, 2026, with alleged fake Hennessy Very Special, Seaman’s Schnapps, Lord’s Gin London Dry, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps and Martell VS at his shop and a parking shop in Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos.

The prosecution further alleged that the beverages were packaged in a way that could mislead consumers about their identity and safety.

NAFDAC accused the defendants of offences under the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charge.

After the defendants’ pleas were taken, Madu urged the court to set trial dates and remand them pending the determination of their cases.

The defence lawyer, Gideon Eze, requested a short adjournment to allow him to file bail applications on behalf of his clients.

The trial judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, ruled that the offences were bailable and granted Jasper bail in the sum of N50 million and Ekezie bail in the sum of N100 million, with one surety each.

The judge ordered that each surety must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

He further ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until they meet their bail conditions and adjourned the cases until December 4 for trial.