For allegedly importing fake drugs, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) today arraigned some medicine dealers before a Federal High Court, in Lagos.
The defendants; Bernard Chinweuba and his company Vanchris Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, Duru Chinwike and Valentine Ndukwe (now at large) were arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji over the alleged importation of fake tablets.
They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on the importation of fake and unwholesome drugs
They all pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by (NAFDAC).
Their offences are contrary to sections 1(1) of the Food Drugs and Related Products Registration Act, Cap F33 Law of the Federation. 2004.
Their offence also was contrary to Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap C34, Law of the Federation 2004.
The prosecution counsel, Mr Barth Simon told the court that the defendant committed the offence on 8th September 2022 at Idumota in Lagos.
He alleged that Vanchris Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited (second defendant) Chinwike (third defendant) and Ndukwe (fourth defendant) who is also chairman of Sabongari Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers Association in Kano, committed the offence at Idumota in Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that the trio aided the first defendant to import fake drugs: “Diclofenac BP 50mg (Diclosa 50), Coldtime Anti-Cold tablets, Sonidrex Tablet 50 mg, and Collcap (Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules BP 4mg.
The first defendant allegedly imported the said drugs contrary to lawful provisions with a plan to move them down to Kano.
However, following their plea, the defendants’ counsel, Mr Ikechukwu Anima informed the court of their bail applications, he prayed the court to grant the defendants bail.
Justice Faji, therefore, granted them bail in the sum of N7 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned trial in the case to March 28 and 29 2023.