The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has secured the conviction of two men for the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The convicts, Mr. Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono and Mr. Ikegwuonu Dawson Ikechukwu, were arraigned on eight-count charges, bordering on possession of unwholesome processed foods, production of counterfeit and unregistered alcoholic beverages, aiding and abetting the manufacture, misleading packaging, and the distribution and sale of unregistered products.
Their convictions followed a December 5, 2025 enforcement operation at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market.
Products recovered during the operation included counterfeit and unregistered variants of Hennessy, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s, and Gordon’s Gin. The items were found to be unwholesome, misleadingly packaged, and unsafe for consumption.
According to NAFDAC, the offences violated provisions of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act, the Food and Drugs Act, and the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act.
At the conclusion of the trial presided by Justice J. Alagwa, the court found both defendants guilty on all eight counts. They were both sentenced to five years imprisonment or a fine of ₦10 million on each count, amounting to a potential 40-year jail term or ₦80 million fine.
Reacting to the judgment, NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, warning that adulterated and counterfeit alcoholic beverages pose serious health risks to consumers.
The Agency pledged to intensify enforcement actions nationwide and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office across the Federation.
