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, appeared before Justice Ambrose Lewis- Allagoa on a six-count charge bordering on the alleged production and sale of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry and Gordon’s Dry Gin.
Prosecuting counsel Isa Ali told the court the agency had filed the charges and asked that they be read to the defendant for his plea.
The alleged offenses 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.
Chukwuka pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked 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 no counter-application was made, the judge ordered that he be remanded in custody.
The case was adjourned to June 1, 2026, for trial.
According to the charge marked FHC/L/279C/26, Chukwuka was allegedly found on April 14, 2026, at No. 30 Apongbon, Lagos Island, in possession of unwholesome processed alcoholic products.
NAFDAC alleged that he manufactured counterfeit products branded as Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry and Gordon’s Dry Gin, packaging them in a misleading manner as to their safety and authenticity.
One count alleges he manufactured unregistered processed food products, contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act. Another accuses him of distributing the unregistered products within Lagos State. He is also charged with displaying the products for sale, contrary to Section 1(b) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
The offenses are punishable under the applicable statutes if proven.
