A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted and fined a Lagos trader and two pharmaceutical companies N1.5 million over the illegal possession, distribution, and importation of fake and unregistered drugs.
Justice Musa Kakaki handed down the conviction on Tuesday after the defendants pleaded guilty to a four-count charge filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The defendants are Elwah Chigbogu, a 45-year-old trader, along with two companies he owns — Profile & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elwjah Nigeria Limited.
The agency arraigned the defendants before Justice Kakaki on four counts bordering on unlawful possession of fake drugs, importation of unregistered drugs, and distribution of unregistered drugs.
According to the charge, the defendants were found in possession of fake drugs on or about July 28, 2025, at their business addresses, No. 58, Obun Eko Street, Idumota, Lagos Island, and No. 29, Oluwale Loyoale Street, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos.
The fake drugs listed in the charge include Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol 200ml Suspension, Zirtek Allergy Relief, Candesartan 4mg Tablets, Nicorette 4mg, Lisinopril 10 mg Tablets, Canesten Thrush 20 mg, Anusol Ointment, Gaviscon Double Action, Prolife vitamin C, Gliclazide 80 mg Tablets, Amitriptyline 25 mg Tablets, Allopurinol 300 mg Tablets, Levothyroxine 50 mg Tablets, and Dexazosin 2 mg Tablets.
When the matter came up for arraignment, NAFDAC's counsel, Anita Madu, informed the court that the prosecution had a four-count charge and urged the court to order that the charge be read to the defendants.
The charge was subsequently read, and the defendants pleaded guilty to all four counts.
Following the guilty plea, the prosecution counsel informed the court of a plea bargain agreement and urged the court to adopt it as the judgment of the court.
After reviewing the plea bargain agreement, Justice Kakaki convicted the defendants and sentenced the first defendant, Elwah Chigbogu, to a fine of N1.5 million.
Count one stated that the defendants were found in possession of fake drugs, an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. C34, LFN, 2004, and punishable under Section 3(1) of the same Act.
Count two stated that the defendants displayed fake drugs for sale, contrary to Section 1(b) of the same Act.
Counts three and four stated that the defendants imported and distributed unregistered drugs, offences contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, ETC) Act, Cap. F33, LFN, 2004, and punishable under Section 6(1)(a) and 8 of the same Act.
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