Onitsha businessman arraigned for importing fake foods
An Onitsha based businessman, Okey Joseph Okeke, has been arraigned at the Federal High Court, Awka, the Anambra State capital, on three-count charges of importing and selling unwholesome processed foods.
The prosecuting counsel for the Federal Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said the accused person whose shop is located at No. L-D 2/5 Abuja Plaza complex, Onitsha, Anambra State on or about the 23rd day of October 2017,
“within the jurisdiction of the Court did sell unwholesome processed food to wit-Olivia vegetable cooking oil, Goya Extra Virgin cooking oil, King Brajole Deluxe whisky, Loko Bitters Alcoholic whisky and White Mischief Ultra-Pure Vodka,
thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (a) of counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed food Act CAP C34 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 3 (a) of the same Act.
In count two, the accused was also charged of selling food to writ, Olivia vegetable cooking oil, Goya extra Virgin cooking oil, King Brajole Deluxe whisky, Loko Bitters Alcoholic whisky and white Mischief Ultra-Pure Vodka without registration and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) of food, drugs and related products (Registration etc) Act Cap F.33 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 6 (1) (a) of the same Act.
The suspect on count three on the same date and place did import foods, to wit the above products without registration and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) of food, Drugs and Related products (Registration, etc) Act Cap F. 33 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 6 (1) (a) of the same Act.
The suspect however pleaded not guilty and was granted bail to the tune of five hundred thousand naira (N500, 000) by the presiding Judge, Justice I.N Oweibo but had to remain in police custody pending the time he satisfied his bail conditions.
Granting the suspect bail followed a motion his counsel’s by his counsel, praying the court for an order to admit the applicant on bail pending the trial of the matter.
Counsel to the Federal Government and NAFDAC, Mr. Nnamdi Obi, in an interview, noted that original Goya extra virgin Olive oil was exclusively marketed in Nigeria by Ekulo International Limited, saying that NAFDAC was determined to fight to eradicate the fake and substandard products in the country, no matter whose ox is gored.
He expressed worry over the increasing rate of importation and selling of substandard products in various markets in the country, warning the public to beware of all unregistered products.
Alphonsus Nweze, Awka
