NAFDAC Prosecutes Businessman For Producing Fake Schnapps

By Felix Kuyinu

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has arraigned a businessman for allegely producing fake Seamans Aromatic Schnapps.

The accused, Chinedu Okafor, 40, who was brought before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday was also accused of producing and selling fake fruit juice wines.

Okafor, Director of Sky Blue Company, Badagry, where the fake items were produced is facing an eight-count charge bordering on manufacturing, dealing, selling distributing, and having unwholesome processed food.

NAFDAC told the court that Okafor, on April 26, was caught at 4, 1st MTN Road, Badagry, in Lagos State, where he was allegedly producing and processing Apple Multi Fruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps and Lord’s Gin.

The agency stated that processing and distribution of the items were done without registration, thus, in contrary to Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Unwholesome Processed Foods Act and punishable under Section 3, 1(1) and 1(3), 17, (1) of the Food and Drugs Act, 2004.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Following his plea, the agency asked the court for a trial date and also urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional centre till the determination of the charges.

Justice Ambrose Allagoa asked that the defendant be remanded at the correctional centre.and adjourned the matter to July 10, 2024, for the commencement of trial.