MICHAEL AKINOLA
Operatives from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a man, Austine Idemudia and his wife, Margaret Austine, for allegedly producing and distributing assorted fake wines across the state.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ayuba Umma, who confirmed the arrest of the couple indicating that they are undergoing interrogation over their alleged conduct.
According to SP Umma, the operatives stormed the unhygienic room, where the fake products were being produced, arrested the suspects and recovered the fake products as exhibits.
“The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan Lagos, under the leadership of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Olatoye A. Durosinmi, has successfully apprehended a couple for production and distribution of various adulterated alcoholic beverages.”
“The crackdown occurred on 4th April , 2024, when a team of detectives from the Zone 2 Raider Section, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, conducted a raid on a residence in Muibi Olawumi Close, Off Ayetoto/Itẹle Road, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State.”
“Acting on intelligence, the officers discovered an illicit operation producing counterfeit wines, liquor, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks.
The raid yielded a significant amount of incriminating evidence, including unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks, various containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.”
The Police image maker also added that the Police also recovered equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines.
“Other items included brand labels of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy wine drinks in packs, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as filter) and corkscrew among various other production and branding items.”
” One Margaret Austine ‘f’ was apprehended at the scene and she confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation, alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. “Baba Joshua”). Margret ‘f’ confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun States.”
“The Zone 2 Command is actively investigating the matter and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available.”
Given this incident, Assistant Inspector-General Durosinmi urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages. He expressed concern that the presence of adulterated products poses a serious risk to consumer health.
He said that the Zone 2 Police Command remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun States.
The image maker stated that the suspects will be charged before the Court for the alleged offence but that will be after the conclusion of investigations by the Police.