A 46-year-old man, Okafor Isioma, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, over alleged production, distribution and sale of unregistered and fake alcoholic drinks, which include Casamigos tequila and Red Label whisky.
Isioma was arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala on a four-count charge filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in charge number FHC/LAG/CR/961/2026, of a fourt-count charge of perverting cause of justice, production, distribution and selling of unregistered processed foods and drinks, aiding and abetting.
The prosecutor, N. M. Emman-Afoka, had told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on September 11, 2026, at No. 49, Ipodo Street, off Ikodo Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
The prosecutor informed the court that the defendant had obstructed NAFDAC officials in the performance of their duties, by not making available the information on the whereabout those who are allegedly producing the fake liquors.
The defendant was also accused of aiding one Dominic Oregbu from Aba, Abla State, and one Alex (both now at large) to manufacture unwholesome Casamigos tequila and Red label.
The prosecutor also told the court that the defendant hindered NAFDAC officials from obtaining information required for their investigation.
The alleged offences according to the prosecutor, are contrary to Section 25(1), 1(1) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act, Cap. N1, LFN, 2004 and punishable under Section 25(2) of the same Act.
The defendant’s action also Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. C34, LFN, 2004 and punishable under Section 3 of the same Act.
The defendant has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following his not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for trial date and urged prayed that the defendant be remanded pending the determination of the charge.
But his lawyer, A. Wodi, prayed the court for a short date to file the defendant’s bail application.
Based on the parties submissions, Justice Kala ordered that the defendant be remanded on the facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS pending hearing and determination of his bail application.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to November 18, for trial.
Count one and four of the charges read: “that you, Okafor Isioma, Male, 46 years old, of No 11, Oyebanji Street, Ayebo, Lagos, Lagos State, on or about the 11th day of Setempter, 2026, at No. 49, Ipodo Street, off Ikodo Street, Ikeja, Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obstruct the officers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in the performance of their duties, by not making available the information on the whereabout of the unregistered processed food to wit:Casamigos tequila and Red label, in your possession, which is needed to assist the officers of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, in their investigation and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 25(1) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act, Cap. N1, LFN, 2004 and punishable under Section 25(2) of the same Act.
“That you, Okafor Isioma, Male, 46 years old, of No 11, Oyebanji Street, Ayebo, Lagos, Lagos State, on or about the 11th day of September 2026, at No. 49, Ipodo Street, off Ikodo Street, Ikeja, Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did sell unregistered processed food to wit: – Casamigos tequila and Red label, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc) Act, Cap. F33, LFN, 2004 and punishable under Sections 6 and 8 of the same Act.”