By News Editor
A Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has convicted and sentenced two men to a combined total of 40 years imprisonment for producing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State, in a landmark ruling aimed at curbing the spread of adulterated drinks in Nigeria.
The convicts, Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, 28, were found guilty of offences related to the production, possession, sale, and distribution of fake and unregistered alcoholic products.
Court Ruling and Sentencing
Delivering judgment, Justice Allagoa J. held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently sentenced both men to a cumulative jail term of 40 years.
The eight-count charge against the defendants bordered on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, distribution of adulterated drinks, and related violations under applicable laws.
NAFDAC Enforcement Operation in Lagos
The conviction followed an enforcement operation carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market in Lagos State. The operation was led by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, popularly known as NAFDAC.
During the raid, authorities uncovered large quantities of counterfeit and unregistered alcoholic beverages packaged to resemble well-known international brands.
Counterfeit Brands Recovered
Items recovered during the enforcement operation included counterfeit versions of:
Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy Very Special, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s Blended Scotch Whisky, Gordon’s Dry Gin,
Authorities confirmed that the seized products were counterfeit, unwholesome, misleadingly packaged, or not registered for sale in Nigeria.
Public Health Risks of Fake Alcohol
NAFDAC has always emphasized that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose severe health risks, including poisoning, organ damage, and even death. The agency said counterfeit alcohol often contains harmful substances such as methanol, which can cause blindness or fatal complications and their illegal production and distribution undermine public health, damage legitimate businesses, and erode consumer confidence in the market.
NAFDAC Intensifies Crackdown Nationwide
Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, in a statement, said the conviction is a proof of the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that unsafe and unregistered products do not find their way into Nigerian markets.
The agency warned that it would intensify enforcement operations across the country to clamp down on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit goods.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, noting that public cooperation is critical in the fight against fake and harmful products.
Strong Warning to Offenders
The 40-year combined sentence sends a strong message to individuals and networks involved in the production and sale of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. Regulatory authorities have made it clear that offenders will face severe legal consequences.
As enforcement efforts continue, stakeholders say sustained vigilance and collaboration between regulators, security agencies, and the public remain essential to eliminate counterfeit alcohol from Nigerian markets.
