A Lagos-based trader, Elwah Chigbogu, and two companies, Profile and Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited, were on Thursday convicted over the unlawful possession, importation, and distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.
They were convicted by Justice Musa Kakaki-led Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos after pleading guilty to a four-count charge initiated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In arriving at its decision, Justice Kakaki considered a plea bargain agreement presented by the prosecution and, after reviewing its terms, adopted the agreement in convicting the defendants.
The judge specifically sentenced the first defendant, Chigbogu, to a fine of N1.5 million, according to the plea-bargain proceedings supplied.
It would be recalled that the defendants had earlier been arraigned before the court on four counts bordering on the possession and display of fake drugs, as well as the importation and distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products.
In the charge, Chigbogu, Profile and Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited were allegedly found in possession of several pharmaceutical products described by NAFDAC as fake drugs.
The products listed in the charge included Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol 200ml Suspension, Zirtek Allergy Relief, Candesartan 4mg Tablets, Nicorette 4 mg, 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 Doxazosin 2 mg Tablets.
The anti-narcotics agency particularly alleged that the defendants committed the offences on or about July 28, 2025, in Idumota, Lagos Island, and Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.
According to the first count, it was alleged by NAFDAC that the defendants were found in possession of fake drugs, contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under Section 3(1) of the Act.
In the second count, the defendants were accused of displaying the products for the purpose of sale, allegedly contrary to Section 1(b) of the same Act and punishable under Section 3(1).
The third count revealed that the defendants were accused of importing unregistered drugs contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap. F33, LFN 2004, and punishable under Sections 6(1)(a) and 8 of the Act.
In the fourth count, the defendants were alleged to have distributed the unregistered drugs, contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, etc.) Act and punishable under Sections 6(1)(a) and 8.
While proceedings lasted, the counsel for NAFDAC, Anita Madu, told the trial judge that the prosecution had filed a four-count charge and urged the court to direct that the charges be read to the defendants for their pleas to be taken.
Upon the reading of the charge to the defendants, they pleaded guilty to all four counts.
As a result, Madu notified the court that the prosecution and the defendants had entered into a plea bargain agreement.
She prayed to the court to adopt the terms of the agreement and enter judgment accordingly.
After reviewing the plea bargain agreement, Justice Kakaki convicted the defendants.
The court thereafter imposed a fine of N1.5 million on Chigbogu.