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By Step Rights Magazine
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has 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, was brought before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a six-count charge relating to the alleged production and sale of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including products branded as Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry and Gordon’s Dry Gin.
During proceedings on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel, Isa Ali, informed the court that NAFDAC had filed a six-count charge against the defendant and requested that the charges be read for plea.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences 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.
After the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
As the defendant was not represented by legal counsel and no counter-application was made against the remand request, Justice Lewis-Allagoa ordered that Chukwuka be remanded in correctional custody.
The case was subsequently adjourned until June 1, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Legal Angle
Counterfeit alcoholic beverages remain a major public health concern in Nigeria, with regulatory authorities repeatedly warning that fake and unregistered products may contain harmful substances capable of causing severe health complications or death.
Under Nigerian law, the manufacture, sale or distribution of counterfeit food and drug products attracts criminal liability, including fines, imprisonment and forfeiture of materials used in the alleged offences if convicted.
Conclusion
The case underscores NAFDAC’s continuing crackdown on counterfeit and unwholesome consumer products amid growing concerns over public safety and illegal manufacturing operations across the country.
