The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned a 46-year-old man, Okafor Isioma, over the alleged production, distribution and sale of counterfeit alcoholic drinks, including Casamigos tequila and Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky.
Isioma was arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a four-count charge bordering on obstruction of NAFDAC officials, production and sale of unregistered drinks, and aiding and abetting the alleged offences.
The agency accused him of committing the offences on September 11, 2026, at No. 49, Ipodo Street, off Ikodo Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the prosecution, led by N. M. Emman-Afoka, the defendant allegedly obstructed NAFDAC officials investigating the production of the fake alcoholic drinks by withholding information about the whereabouts of the alleged manufacturers.
He was also accused of aiding two men identified as Dominic Oregbu, from Aba, Abia State, and one Alex, who are currently at large, in the alleged production of unwholesome Casamigos tequila and Red Label whisky.
NAFDAC further alleged that Isioma frustrated its investigation by refusing to provide information needed by its officials.
The prosecution said the alleged offences contravened provisions of the NAFDAC Act and other laws regulating the registration and sale of processed foods and drinks in Nigeria.
However, Isioma pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
Following his plea, the prosecutor urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending the determination of the case.
But defence counsel, A. Wodi, asked the court for a short adjournment to enable him to file a bail application.
Justice Kala subsequently ordered that Isioma be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
The judge adjourned the case until November 18 for trial.
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