The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted two men for producing and distributing adulterated and unregistered alcoholic beverages, sentencing them to a combined 40-year term of imprisonment, in what authorities described as a major victory against counterfeit products in the state.

The convicts, Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, 28, were found guilty on eight counts bordering on the production, possession, sale, and distribution of fake alcoholic drinks.

Their conviction followed a December 3, 2025, enforcement operation carried out by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market in Lagos.

During the raid, officials recovered counterfeit and unregistered variants of popular international brands, including Hennessy, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s, and Gordon’s.

According to NAFDAC, laboratory and regulatory assessments confirmed that the products were unwholesome, misleadingly packaged, and unsafe for human consumption.

The agency said the defendants were engaged in the large-scale manufacture and distribution of adulterated beverages designed to mimic well-known brands, thereby deceiving unsuspecting consumers and endangering public health.

Reacting to the judgment, NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians from harmful and counterfeit products.

“This conviction sends a strong warning to those involved in the production and sale of adulterated alcoholic beverages. The health and safety of Nigerians cannot be compromised,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC further warned that fake alcoholic drinks pose serious health risks, including poisoning, organ damage, and even death, urging members of the public to remain vigilant.

“The agency will continue to intensify enforcement actions nationwide. We encourage the public to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office,” it added.

The judgment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to clamp down on counterfeit food and beverage syndicates operating across the country.

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation _______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. _______________________________________________________________________