Court Slams Lagos Fake Alcohol Dealers With 40 Years Imprisonment

GistmaniaMar 3, 2026Read original

The Federal High Court of Nigeria has convicted and sentenced two men to a combined 40-year prison term for producing and selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lagos State.

The convicts, 58-year-old Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono and 28-year-old Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, were found guilty of manufacturing, possessing, distributing, and selling adulterated and unregistered alcoholic drinks.

According to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the conviction followed a major enforcement operation conducted on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market in Lagos. During the raid, officials uncovered large quantities of counterfeit and unregistered alcoholic beverages packaged to resemble popular international brands.

Recovered items included fake versions of globally recognized brands such as Hennessy, Jameson, William Lawson’s, and Gordon’s. Authorities described the products as dangerous, deceptively packaged, and unsafe for human consumption.

Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacturing counterfeit alcoholic beverages, and distributing fake drinks 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,” NAFDAC stated.

The agency, which prosecuted the case, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing unsafe products from entering the market. It warned that adulterated alcoholic drinks pose serious health risks, including poisoning and organ damage.

NAFDAC further vowed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide and urged members of the public to remain vigilant. The agency encouraged citizens to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against counterfeit and harmful goods.