Production of counterfeit product: bizwoman docked
A Lagos based businesswoman, Nkiru Kalu, was on Wednesday arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos for alleged production of counterfeit product.
Ms Kalu was arrested at kilometer 16, Ojo Badagry area of the state, on February 23 by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
She was arraigned before the court yesterday on four count charge bordering on production of counterfeit product, possession of counterfeit product, selling of unregistered product and obstructing law enforcement officers from performing their duties.
In the charge, the defendant was alleged to have produced an unwholesome processed food 88888888888889to wit: Ethanol drink (Ogogoro/ Kaikai), and also alleged to have been in possession of the product on the day of her arrest.
NAFDAC also alleged that the product found in her possession was unregistered processed food which is an offence under Section (1) (1) of Food Drugs, and Related Product (registration etc) Act Cap F33 LFN, 2004 and punishale under Section 6 (a) of the same Act.
The offence allegedly committed by the accused person is contrary to Section (1) (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provision) Act Cap C 34 LFN, 2004 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act.
Besides, the prosecutor, Umar Shamaki, also alleged the defendant on the day of her arrest, obstructed officers of NAFDAC in performance of their duties and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 25(1) of the agency Act Cap N1 LFN , 2004 and punishable under Section 25(1) of the same act.
The accused pleaded not guilty and her counsel made an oral application for bail but the court rejected it.
Justice O.O. Oguntoyinbo held that proper application for bail should be in writing and not oral.
The court ordered that since there was no proper application for bail, the accused should be remanded in police custody at Alagbon, pending determination of bail application.
Further hearing has been adjourned till May 31.
