Man, 40, Remanded For Producing & Distributing Assorted Fake Alcoholic Beverages 

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has arraigned the 40-year old Managing Director of Sky Blue Company, Chinedu Okafor, before the Federal High Court in Lagos, for allegedly producing fake aromatic Schnapps and fruit juice wines.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the defendant, Okafor is facing an eight-count charge bordering on manufacturing, dealing, selling, distributing, and having unwholesome processed food.

The prosecution counsel, A. Ali, told the Court that Okafor was arrested on 26th  April, 2024, at his residence of 41st MTN Road, Badagry, in Lagos State, where he was allegedly producing and processing Apple Multi Fruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps and Lord’s Gin.

Ali told the Court that Okafor allegedly distributed unwholesome processed food of Apple Multifruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps and Lord’s Gin. Okafor was also accused of distributing processed food Apple Multifruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps and Lord’s Gin, without registration.

The prosecutor alleged that the offences committed were contrary to Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Unwholesome Processed Foods Act and punishable under Section 3, 1(1) and 1(3), 17, (1) of the Food and Drugs Act, 2004.

The defendant, who was not represented by any lawyer, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The prosecutor asked the Court for a trial date and also urged the Court to remand the defendant at the correctional centre till the determination of the charges.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa asked that the defendant be remanded at the correctional centre without an option of bail.

The matter was adjourned till 10th July, 2024, for the commencement of trial.