The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Tuesday dragged one Akintunde Smith before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly distilling a beverage drink, Kasapreko Alomo Bitters, without lawful authority.
But Smith, who appeared before Justice Okon Abang without any legal representation, maintained that he was not guilty of the offence.
However, in the charge numbered FHC/L/20c/15 brought before the court, the NAFDAC prosecutor, Umar Shamaki, alleged that Smith committed the offence on or about January 15, 2015 on Omotara Street, Aguda, Lagos.
The accused was slammed with three counts in relation to the offence, which according to Shamaki, is contrary to Section 1 of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration) Act, Cap F33, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 6 (1) of the same Act.
The prosecutor said, “The offence is also contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap C34, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act.”
In addition, the prosecutor said that having allegedly labelled the product as Kasapreko Alomo Bitters, in a manner that was false, Smith had also violated Section 5 (a) of the Food and Drugs Act, Cap F32, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and was liable to be punished under Section 17 (1) of the same Act.
Having taken the plea of the accused, the trial judge, Abang, said he should get himself a lawyer to defend him.
The judge, while adjourning till May 6 and 7 for NAFDAC to commence trial added that the accused could apply for bail pending that time.
The judge also ordered that Smith should be remanded in custody.
