BY NKECHI NAECHE -ESEZOBOR —The Federal High Court of Nigeria has convicted two men for producing and selling fake alcoholic beverages in Lagos State, sentencing them to a combined total of 40 years in prison.
The convicts are Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, aged 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, aged 28.
Hon Justice Allagoa.J. of the Federal High Courtfound them guilty of offences linked to the production, possession, sale, and distribution of adulterated and unregistered alcoholic drinks within Lagos.
The conviction followed an enforcement operation carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market, where the illegal activities were uncovered. During the operation, authorities discovered large quantities of counterfeit and unregistered alcoholic beverages.
Items recovered during the raid include Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy Very Special, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson Blended Scotch Whisky, and Gordon’s Dry Gin, which were found to be counterfeit, unwholesome, unregistered, or misleadingly packaged.
Following their arrest, the two suspects were charged on eight counts. These charges bordered on the possession of unwholesome products, the manufacture of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, and the distribution and sale of fake drinks, all in violation of relevant laws.
“The defendants were charged on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit beverages, and related offences under applicable laws,” the statement said.
The case was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, which restated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that unsafe products do not find their way into the market.
NAFDAC warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose serious health risks to consumers and stressed that the agency will continue to intensify enforcement actions across the country to clamp down on such illegal activities.
The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, noting that public cooperation is crucial in the fight against counterfeit and harmful goods.
