A Lagos Federal High Court has sentenced Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono (58) and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu (28) to 40 years in prison for producing and distributing fake alcoholic beverages. The convicts were found guilty of possessing unwholesome products, manufacturing counterfeit beverages, and related offences. NAFDAC secured the conviction after an operation uncovered counterfeit Hennessy, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and other brands. The products were deemed unwholesome and unsafe for consumption, posing serious health risks to consumers.

The court imposed five years imprisonment on each of the eight counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Alternatively, the convicts can pay a fine of N10 million each. NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and warned the public to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.