NAFDAC arraigns drug counterfeiter, gets Prison remand

THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC) has arraigned a man, Akintunde Smith ‎at the Federal High Court, Lagos over drug counterfeiting.

The suspect was arraigned on three count charge bordering on manufacturing of processed food without registration.

The trial judge, Okon Abang remanded the suspect to Prison and adjourned the trial to May 5th and 7th, following an application filed by the prosecution counsel, Umar Shamaki to that effect.

Justice Abang said the suspect can formally apply for bail before the adjourned date.
The suspect who pleaded not guilty did not have a lawyer in court.

According to the prosecution, the accused on or about 15th day January, 2015 at Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State did manufacture processed food without registration to wit: Kasapreko Alomo Bitters and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration etc.) Act, Cap F33LFN2004 and punishable under section 6(1) (a) of the same Act.

Count two said: “That you Akintunde Smith “M” of No. 8, Sam Omotara Street, Aguda, Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Court on or about the 15th day of January 2015 at Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, did manufacture unwholesome processed food, to wit: Kasapreko Alomo Bitters and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 ( a) of the counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods tmiscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap C34, Laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 3(1) of the same Act.”

Count three accused him of labeling Kasapreko Alomo Bitter in a manner that is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5 (a) of food and drugs act, cap F. 32 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 17 (1) of the same Act.  
The marketing manager of the firm, Peter Adegor, reacting to the arraignment said his firm got wind of counterfeit products in the market and informed NAFDAC officials.

According to him, NAFDAC swung into action which led to the arrest of the suspect.
He said the firm has introduced a ‎hologram seal with security features on the cap to enable consumers to identify the original. “We have introduced what is called a hologram seal, which is like a transparent white nylon at the cap. It is a security feature which enables our customers to identify the original product. Once you don’t see the seal, you stay off”, he advised.