The Federal High Court of Nigeria has sentenced two men to a combined 40 years in prison for offences related to the production, possession, sale and distribution of adulterated and unregistered alcoholic beverages in Lagos.

The convicts, Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, 28, were found guilty following an enforcement operation conducted on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and at the Vespa Market.

During the operation, authorities recovered counterfeit and unregistered alcoholic products, including fake variants of Hennessy, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s and Gordon’s Gin. The products were described as unwholesome, misleadingly packaged and unsafe for consumption.

The defendants were charged on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit beverages, and related offences under applicable laws. The court subsequently convicted them and imposed custodial sentences totalling 40 years.

Reacting to the judgment, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reiterated its commitment to protecting public health. The agency warned of the serious health risks associated with adulterated alcoholic products and stressed that such items pose significant danger to consumers.

NAFDAC added that it would continue to intensify enforcement nationwide to curb the circulation of counterfeit and unregistered products, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

It said the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised the agency’s commitment to consumer safety, noted the severe health risks associated with adulterated alcoholic products, and pledged intensified enforcement.

Adeyeye commended the judiciary for the judgment, saying that it would serve as a deterrent to other criminally minded fake products peddlers.

She urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office across the Federation.