The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called for the introduction of the death penalty for counterfeiters, insisting that those producing fake products will not stop unless they face the ultimate punishment.
Onanuga made the call on Wednesday while reacting to the discovery of a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks factory worth over ?500 million in Aba, Abia State, by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a post on X, the presidential spokesman condemned the activities of counterfeiters, describing them as people without conscience.
‘These counterfeiters certainly have no conscience. Until we start imposing a death penalty on them, they will never stop their nefarious activities,’ he declared.
His reaction followed NAFDAC’s announcement that its operatives uncovered a suspected illegal alcohol production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, following credible intelligence.
According to the agency, the facility was operating under unhygienic conditions, while the suspected operator fled upon the arrival of enforcement officials.
The suspect reportedly abandoned a vehicle containing packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid.
A search of the premises also uncovered bottle caps, sealing machines, cartons, tanks containing various liquid mixtures and dirty sieves allegedly used in producing the drinks.
NAFDAC further disclosed that its officials discovered plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol, including tree bark immersed in the substance.
The agency warned that the materials raised serious concerns about the safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit products.
It estimated the value of the equipment, materials and other components found at the facility at over ?500 million.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities through its toll-free line, 0800-1-623322, or 0700-1-623322.
Onanuga’s call for capital punishment comes amid concerns about the dangers posed by counterfeit alcoholic drinks to public health.
However, his statement was a call for tougher penalties, not an announcement of a new Federal Government policy or a change to existing law.