The Federal High Court of Nigeria has sentenced two men to a combined 40 years’ imprisonment for producing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.
The convicts, Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, 28, were found guilty by Justice Allagoa J. of offences relating to the manufacture, possession, distribution and sale of adulterated and unregistered alcoholic drinks.
Their conviction followed an enforcement operation carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market in Lagos, where large quantities of fake and unregistered alcoholic beverages were uncovered.
Among the items seized were counterfeit versions of Hennessy V.S.O.P and Very Special, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson’s Blended Scotch Whisky and Gordon’s Dry Gin. The products were found to be unwholesome, misleadingly packaged and not registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
The defendants were arraigned on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, and related offences under applicable laws.
The case was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which reiterated its resolve to protect public health and rid the market of unsafe products.
NAFDAC warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose grave health risks to consumers, including poisoning and long-term organ damage, and vowed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide.
The agency also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against counterfeit and harmful goods.
Court Slams 40-Year Jail Term on Two for Producing, Selling Fake Alcohol in Lagos
