A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted Elwah Chigbogu, a Lagos trader, and two companies, Profile & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited, for possessing, displaying for sale, importing, and distributing fake and unregistered drugs. The conviction was based on a four-count charge filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, leading to their conviction by Justice Musa Kakaki.
According to NAFDAC, the defendants were found in possession of various pharmaceutical products described as fake, including Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol 200ml Suspension, and Zirtek Allergy Relief, among others. The products were allegedly displayed for sale, imported unregistered, and distributed. The defendants' addresses were listed as No. 58, Obun Eko Street, Idumota, Lagos Island, and No. 29, Oluwale Loyole Street, Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.
The charges against the defendants included unlawful possession of fake drugs, display of fake drugs for sale, importation of unregistered drugs, and distribution of unregistered drugs. The first count alleged unlawful possession of fake drugs, contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. The second count alleged display of fake drugs for sale, contrary to Section 1(b) of the same Act.
The court sentenced Chigbogu to a N1.5 million fine after reviewing the plea-bargain agreement. The conviction and sentencing were based on the defendants' guilty pleas to the four-count charge. NAFDAC had arraigned the defendants before Justice Kakaki, urging the court to order that the charges be read to the defendants for their pleas.
The case was prosecuted by Anita Madu, counsel to NAFDAC. The agency had filed a four-count charge against the defendants, which they pleaded guilty to. The conviction marks a significant milestone in the fight against fake and unregistered drugs in Nigeria.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been actively working to curb the circulation of fake and unregistered drugs in Nigeria. The agency has been collaborating with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to bring perpetrators to justice. The conviction of Elwah Chigbogu and the two companies demonstrates the agency's commitment to protecting public health.
The issue of fake and unregistered drugs is a significant public health concern in Nigeria. The circulation of these drugs can lead to treatment failures, adverse reactions, and even deaths. The conviction of those involved in the production and distribution of these drugs is essential to ensuring the safety of the public.
Key points
- A Lagos court has convicted a trader and two companies for possessing, displaying, importing, and distributing fake and unregistered drugs.
- The defendants were found in possession of various pharmaceutical products described as fake, including Zanza Cyprodine and Calpol 200ml Suspension.
- The conviction marks a significant milestone in the fight against fake and unregistered drugs in Nigeria.
