NAFDAC arraigns two businessmen for ‘selling fake pharmaceutical products’

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned two businessmen over the alleged sale and distribution of fake and unregistered pharmaceutical products.

The two businessmen were arraigned on a five-count charge at the federal high court, Awka, Anambra state capital.

The suspects, Emmanuel Ejidike and Anayo Okoye, own pharmaceutical stores at Onitsha.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the charge sheet, Ejidike was charged with possessing and selling fake Ampiclox capsules, Krisscin 500mg, Amoxil 500mg, Artesunate, and Chloramphenicol capsules around March 31, 2023.

The defendant was also accused of selling unregistered Primolut N 5mg, Combiat 20/120, Amoxy Capsules 500mg, Aldomet (Methyldopa) tablets, and Coartem Augmentin 625 mg.

The offences were said to have violated section 1(1) of the food and related act 2004 and counterfeit, fake drugs and miscellaneous unwholesome processed food act, 2004.

Okoye was accused of possessing, selling and distributing fake Basslox capsules, Ladinax tablets, Col Caps (Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4mg), and Libumol Triple Action

The offences were said to have contravened section 1(a) of the counterfeit and fake drug and unwholesome processed foods (miscellaneous provisions) act 2004.

Jumbo Adumen, the prosecution counsel, asked the court to remand the defendants in prison custody pending the hearing of the cases.

However, Emmanuel Okechukwu and A.C. Akonanya, defence counsels, asked the court to admit the suspects on bail since the offences were bailable.

In his ruling, Fatun Riman, the presiding judge, granted each of the defendants bails in the sum of N5 million and one surety with a deposed affidavit and three years of tax clearance.

The judge adjourned Ejidike’s case to July 5, while Okoye’s trial will begin on July 11.