by Bavoriat Clara
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its nationwide clampdown on counterfeit and unwholesome products, arresting a local footballer, Mr. Ikechukwu Elijah, for operating an illegal chemical factory in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja.
Elijah, who ran the factory from a residential building, was apprehended for producing and distributing hazardous and unregistered chemicals disguised as popular brands of insecticides and other products. Initially denying any involvement, he later admitted to the crime after operatives uncovered incriminating evidence during a search of the compound, leading to the arrest of his younger brother inside the facility.
According to a statement by NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Adegboyega Osiyemi, the operation was led by Mr. Embugushiki Godiya, Desk Officer of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate and member of the Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods. Items seized included sealing machines, high-capacity cylinders, large chemical containers, and finished counterfeit products.
In a related raid, the team sealed off MZEE Table Water in the Damangaza district of Abuja for producing multiple brands of packaged water in unhygienic conditions with an expired and fake license. Investigations revealed that the factory lacked a certified borehole, water treatment facilities, and other required standards. When contacted, the factory owner claimed the facility was duly registered, though no staff were present during the operation.
The operation further extended to a shopping plaza opposite the World Trade Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, where counterfeit rice, packaging materials, and sealing machines used for re-bagging popular rice brands were confiscated.
Mr. Godiya disclosed that the total street value of the seized items exceeded ₦60 million, stressing that the operation was in line with the directive of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, to rid the markets of unsafe and substandard products.
He urged Nigerians to avoid patronizing suspicious or unregulated products in order to reduce the demand for counterfeits, adding that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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