A Federal High Court, Lagos, has ordered the remand of a 30-year-old man, Chidera Kolins Chukwuka, over his alleged involvement in the production distribution and selling of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including well-known brands such as Johnnie Walker Red Label, Flirt Vodka, Lords Gin London Dry, and Gordons Dry Gin.
The presiding judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on Tuesday, ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody pending further proceedings, after he was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on counterfeiting, unlawful manufacturing, and distribution of unwholesome and unregistered processed products, leveled against him by the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC).
NAFDAC in a charge marked FHC/L/279c/2026, filed by Barrister Berthlomew Simon but moved by Barrister Isa Ali, alleged that the defendant, Chukwuka, who resides at 2, Kolawole Street, the Ajah area of Lagos State, was apprehended with the counterfeited liquors on April 14, 2026, at 30, Apongbon, Lagos Island.
NAFDAC alleged that the defendant was found in possession of various adulterated alcoholic drinks packaged to resemble established brands, thereby posing serious risks to public health.
The first count accuses the defendant of possessing unwholesome processed products, an offence under the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act. Prosecutors argue that the items seized during the operation were not only counterfeit but also potentially harmful for human consumption.
In the second count, Chukwuka is alleged to have actively manufactured these products. Investigators claim that he operated an illicit production setup where fake alcoholic beverages were processed and prepared for distribution.
Further allegations state that the defendant packaged the products in a deceptive manner, misleading consumers into believing they were genuine. Count three emphasizes that such packaging violates the Food and Drugs Act, which prohibits false labeling and misrepresentation of food and drink safety standards.
Counts four and five address the issue of registration. Prosecutors allege that the defendant manufactured and distributed products that were not registered with relevant regulatory authorities, in breach of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration) Act.
The sixth count accuses Chukwuka of displaying the counterfeit beverages for sale, thereby facilitating their entry into the consumer market. Authorities maintain that such actions not only undermine legitimate businesses but also endanger unsuspecting members of the public.
All the offence according to the NAFDAC, contravened sections 1(a) 5, 1(1) and 1(b) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. C34, LFN, 2004 and punishable under Section 3(1) (a) of the same Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Based on his guilty plea, the prosecutor prayed the court for a trial date, as well, asked the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), pending trial.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa, after listening to the prosecutor’s submission, ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to June 1, 2026, for commencement of trial.
During the defendant’s arraignment, the prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting the widespread dangers associated with counterfeit consumables, particularly alcoholic drinks that may contain toxic substances. The defense, however, reserved its arguments for a later stage.
