NAFDAC arraigns man over drug offences

National Food and Drug Adminstration Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned one businessman, Okeke Victor Ebuke, before a Federal High Court, Lagos for drug related offences.

Ebuke of 126 Ago Palace way, Okota is facing a five count charge bordering on the offence before Justice Mohammed Idris.

According to the charges, the accused committed the offence on or about the 30th day of July, 2015 at B66 Jigawa plazas, Balogun Business Association Trade Fair Complex, Lagos. He allegedly imported unregistered processed foods to wit: Amoy soy sauce dark; Maggi arome assaisonnment seasoning; Jade bridge superior dark soy sauce.

The prosecutor, Umar Shamaki said the action is an offence contrary to section 1 of the food, Drugs and related products (Registration; etc) Act, Cap. F33, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 6 (1) a of the same Act.

He said that the products are unfit for human consumption and therefore an offence contrary to section 1 (b) of the food and Drugs Act, Cap. F32, in a manner that is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The accused was also charged with unlawful importation and in possession of unwholesome processed food, which are contrary to section 1(a) of the counterfeit and fake Drugs and unwholesome processed foods (miscellaneous provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 3(1) of the same Act.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him and was remanded in Prison pending the hearing of bail application.

Justice Idris subsequently adjourned further proceedings to September 20, 2015.