Chinedu Okafor, a 40-year-old businessman, was arraigned by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control on Friday before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly producing fake aromatic schnapps and fruit juice wines.
Okafor, who owns Sky Blue Company, faces an eight-count charge related to manufacturing, dealing, selling, distributing, and possessing unwholesome processed food.
Prosecution counsel A. Ali informed the court that Okafor was arrested on April 26 at his residence at 4, 1st MTN Road, Badagry, Lagos State, where he was allegedly producing and processing Apple Multi Fruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, and Lord’s Gin.
Ali stated that Okafor allegedly distributed unwholesome processed food, specifically Apple Multifruit Juice Wine, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, and Lord’s Gin, without registration.
According to the prosecutor, these actions violate Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Unwholesome Processed Foods Act and are punishable under Sections 3, 1(1) and 1(3), 17(1) of the Food and Drugs Act, 2004.
The defendant, who did not have legal representation, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
After his plea, the prosecutor requested a trial date and asked the court to remand Okafor in a correctional center until the charges are resolved.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ordered that the defendant be remanded and adjourned the case to July 10, 2024, for trial commencement.
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