Lagos Court Sentences Two Men to 40 Years for Producing Counterfeit Alcohol

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has handed down a 40-year prison sentence, shared between two men, for their involvement in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit alcoholic drinks. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed the convictions via its X account on Monday, stemming from an enforcement action carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and the Vespa Market in Lagos.

The individuals found guilty, identified as Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, aged 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, 28, were convicted on multiple charges. These included the production, possession, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages that were found to be adulterated and unregistered.

NAFDAC's enforcement officers reported the seizure of imitation versions of well-known brands such as Hennessy, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s, and Gordon’s. The agency stated that these products were deemed unwholesome, deceptively packaged, and unsafe for public consumption.

The prosecution had charged the defendants on eight counts, encompassing the possession of substandard products, the manufacturing and distribution of fake beverages, and other related offences stipulated by law.

NAFDAC reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the health of citizens and issued a stern warning about the severe dangers posed by consuming adulterated alcoholic products. The agency pledged to enhance its nationwide enforcement activities and urged the public to report any suspicious products or activities observed to the nearest NAFDAC office.

This conviction occurs amidst a broader intensification of regulatory oversight on the distribution of alcohol and drugs across Nigeria. Earlier this year, NAFDAC initiated a phased prohibition on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles. This measure was introduced in response to escalating concerns over alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth.

The policy has encountered opposition from certain sectors of the alcohol industry and advocacy groups, who have raised concerns about potential job losses and economic repercussions. Nevertheless, NAFDAC maintains that the initiative is a crucial public health intervention designed to limit access to affordable, high-potency alcohol and to combat misuse.

Separately, the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking has lauded NAFDAC's efforts in combating drug abuse and overseeing medicinal products across the nation. The committee, under the leadership of Timehin Adelegbe, indicated that it is actively working to strengthen legislative frameworks aimed at curbing illicit drug trafficking and alcohol abuse throughout the country, reinforcing the National Assembly's commitment to robust regulatory enforcement.