Fake Drugs: Lagos Trader Fined N1.5m, Two Companies Convicted Over Illegal Importation

Fake Drugs: Lagos Trader Fined N1.5m, Two Companies Convicted Over Illegal Importation

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a 45-year-old trader, Elwah Chigbogu, and two pharmaceutical companies linked to him over the possession, sale, importation and distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.

Justice Musa Kakaki handed down the conviction after Chigbogu and the two companies — Profile & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elwjah Nigeria Limited — pleaded guilty to four charges filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The defendants were accused of possessing and displaying fake drugs for sale at their business premises in Idumota and Ikotun, Lagos.

Among the drugs listed in the charge were Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol, Zirtek, Candesartan, Nicorette, Lisinopril, Canesten, Anusol, Gaviscon, Gliclazide, Amitriptyline, Allopurinol,

Levothyroxine and Dexazosin.
Following a plea bargain agreement presented by the prosecution, the court convicted the defendants and sentenced Chigbogu to a N1.5 million fine.

The charges covered unlawful possession and display of fake drugs as well as the illegal importation and distribution of unregistered medicines.

The case was prosecuted by NAFDAC counsel, Anita Madu.