A 46-year-old Lagos resident, Ofoelo Chinenye Donatus, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos, over his alleged involvement in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit exotic alcoholic beverages branded as Casamigos Tequila.
Donatus was docked before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a three-count charge filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to the prosecution, led by B. Simon, the defendant allegedly committed the offences on or about January 29 and 30, 2026, at Shop No. 63, Balogun Street, Lagos Island, and at TA44/45, Balogun Ultramodern Shopping Mall Limited.
The prosecutor told the court that Donatus allegedly aided two suspects — Austine Odumodu Wine, said to be resident in Lagos State, and Ezeoba Ekwelie, reportedly based in the eastern part of Nigeria, who are currently at large.
He was also alleged to have acted with the assistance of Mrs Akunne Obianujulu Matilda, said to be residing in the Republic of China.
NAFDAC alleged that the defendant facilitated the production and distribution of counterfeit Casamigos Tequila by illegally importing and selling branded packaging materials, empty bottles and corks associated with the tequila brand.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and are punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the same Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his plea, the prosecutor asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending the determination of the case.
However, defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution. He urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that the surety must either be a Grade Level 12 officer in government employment or a property owner with registered title resident in Lagos State.
The surety is also required to show evidence of three years’ tax payment, submit two passport photographs and depose an affidavit of means.
The judge adjourned the matter to June 11, 2026, for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi custodial facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
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