Lagos court remands man over alleged fake alcoholic drinks

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday remanded a 46-year-old man, Okafor Isioma, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service over the alleged production, distribution and sale of unregistered alcoholic drinks, including Casamigos tequila and Red Label whisky.

Justice Ibrahim Kala ordered that Isioma be remanded at the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

Earlier, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control arraigned Isioma before the court on a four-count charge marked FHC/LAG/CR/961/2026, bordering on perverting the course of justice, the production, distribution and sale of unregistered processed foods and drinks, and aiding and abetting.

The defendant was accused of obstructing NAFDAC officials in the discharge of their duties, selling unregistered processed food products and aiding the alleged production of unwholesome alcoholic drinks.

The prosecution counsel, N.M. Emman-Afoka, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on September 11, 2026, at No. 49, Ipodo Street, off Ikodo Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

The prosecutor alleged that Isioma obstructed NAFDAC officials by withholding information about the whereabouts of persons allegedly involved in the production of the unregistered alcoholic drinks.

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 manufacture of unwholesome Casamigos tequila and Red Label whisky.

Emman-Afoka further alleged that the defendant hindered the agency’s officials from obtaining information required for their investigation.

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According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 25(1) and 1(1) of the NAFDAC Act, Cap. N1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and were punishable under Section 25(2) of the same Act.

The defendant was also accused of violating Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, LFN, 2004, punishable under Section 3 of the Act.

However, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his plea, the prosecutor urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending the determination of the charge.

Defence counsel, A. Wodi, however, asked the court for a short adjournment to enable him to file a bail application.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Kala 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, 2026, for trial.