The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFADC) has arraigned a businessman, Luke Mbah, before a Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged importation of drug containing codeine-made drugs  valued N167 million.

Mbah was arraigned before Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo’s court, on a four count-charge of unlawful importation of Barcading with codeine cough syrup, Afrodic Dicflofenac potassium caplets, Fees fine (cyprohetatine caplets) and De really extra Diclofenac sodium tablets.

NAFADAC in the charge marked FHC/L/55c/19, alleged that the defendant, a resident of 9, Ehi Street, Ijesha, Lagos, on December 16, 2018, imported the drugs which were said to be fake.

He was also said to be in possession of the drugs which were unregistered and without authority..

The offences according to the prosecutor, Umaru ShamaKi, are contrary to Section 1(a) of the food and drugs an unwholesome processes foods (miscellaneous provisions) Act Cap. C34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under Section 3(1) of the Act. And section 1(1) of the food and drugs and related products (registration, e.t.c.) Act Cap. F33, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under section 6(1)(a) of the Act.

Arraigning the businessman on Friday, the prosecutor, Mr. Shamaki, told the court that the defendant was arrested by the Intelligence team of NAFDAC, with the said banned drugs and that upon interrogation, the defendant confessed to the act.

Though, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, but the prosecutor while asking the court for a trial date, also urged the court to remand him in prison custody till the determination of the charge.

Following the prosecutor’s request, Justice Oguntoyinbo, while adjourned the matter till February 28, for trial , ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody till the determination of his bail application.