The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) arraigned Chinedu Okafor, a 40-year-old businessman, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday for allegedly producing counterfeit aromatic Schnapps and fruit juice wines.
Okafor, operating under the name ‘Sky Blue Company,’ faces an eight-count charge related to manufacturing, dealing, selling, distributing, and possessing unwholesome processed food.
Prosecution counsel A. Ali informed the court that Okafor was apprehended on April 26 at his residence located at 4, 1st MTN Road, Badagry, Lagos State. He was allegedly involved in producing and processing Apple Multi Fruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, and Lord’s Gin.
Ali stated that Okafor distributed unwholesome processed foods without proper registration, specifically Apple Multifruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, and Lord’s Gin. These actions violate Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act, and are punishable under Sections 3, 1(1), 1(3), and 17(1) of the Food and Drugs Act, 2004.
Okafor, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following his plea, the prosecutor requested a trial date and urged the court to remand Okafor to a correctional center until the charges are resolved.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ordered that Okafor be remanded at the correctional center and adjourned the case to July 10, 2024, for the commencement of the trial.
