Manufacturer held over fake wine factory

The Lagos State police command has busted a factory where fake drinks, especially hot drinks and wines are produced.

The factory, according to the police, could produce all kinds of expensive drinks and packaged to look like its original.

The man behind the factory, Mr. Benjamin Ojukwu, 53, however, said his wine and gins are original.

He blamed the Federal Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for his travails.

“I am telling you this because I tried to access money from banks but it was not possible. My business can employ a lot of people but government did not take us serious.

I know that I made mistake by using the labels of other people or companies. All what I was using were quality materials.

I learnt the production of all manners of drinks in Taiwan. When I returned, I opened my factory in Nnewi, Anambra State, but my enemies set my factory on fire. I lost everything that I had.

I now moved to Lagos and started my business again. My enemies still traced me to Lagos and set me up. People that are after me followed me to my shop in Lagos.

Even though they knew my drinks are better than most of the ones in the market, they went and called the police for me. They have finished me.

Well, there is no need to cry, what has happened has happened. Yes, I repeat, I used quality things to produce my drinks. I can produce any type of drink and it will taste like original.

In Taiwan, after we were trained, their government gave them money to start up but in Nigeria, entrepreneurs do not have such support.”
 
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imodium Edgal, who paraded the suspect among others yesterday, said: “Based on intelligence that there was an illegal wine factory at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, the Area Commander, Area D, ACP Akinbayo Olasoji and his men stormed the market on March 30, which was Good Friday and arrested Ojukwu.

“We are working with relevant agency to ensure the needful is done. We will soon charge the suspect to the court. I want to use this opportunity to advise Nigerians to be mindful of what they drink as health is precious.

Many have died and so many others are suffering from liver or kidney problems caused by fake products.

That is why we are going to all nook and crannies of the state to fish out those producing fake drinks and other products.”