During a press conference, NAFDAC's Director-General, Moji Adeyeye, revealed some crucial details about the case. Two suspects, Mr. Okeke Udeze Francis and Mr. Uchenna Nwachi, were apprehended in connection with the illegal activities. Mr. Francis was found in possession of expired G-Man organic energy drink in Onitsha, while Mr. Nwachi was traced through an intermediary named Mr. Collins in Aba, Abia state. Further investigation led NAFDAC to the warehouse in Aba, where evidence of revalidation of the drink's expiry date was uncovered.
Adeyeye emphasized the severity of the situation and the agency's commitment to addressing it. She stated that the case has been transferred to the office of the Director of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Lagos. Mr. Francis admitted to dealing with the G-Man energy drink and revealed that he received the product from Mr. Nwachi, facilitated by Mr. Collins. This revelation prompted NAFDAC to intensify its efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the illicit operation.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the violative G-Man energy drink was manufactured in Germany and imported into Nigeria, despite some of the products already being expired or nearing expiration at the time of importation. The expiry dates on the imported products were recorded as 18/12/2020 and 18/12/2022. The shipment of the violative products was attributed to Mr. Paschal Emeka Udo, believed to be based in the United Kingdom. Another accomplice, Mr. Wilson John, was later arrested after a video recording was obtained, showing him tampering with the original date markings on the products with the intention of affixing extended date markings on the G-Man energy drink.
Adeyeye described the situation as a clear case of food fraud and highlighted the arrest of Uchenna Nwachi, who had outsourced the re-validation of the product to Wilson, an employee of the importer. She confirmed that Mr. Nwachi is currently in custody. However, two suspects, including the importer, are still at large, and NAFDAC is working diligently to apprehend them. The suspects in custody will be charged in court for their alleged involvement in the counterfeit operation.
In a related development, NAFDAC also announced the arrest of Emmanuel Obidike, the Managing Director of Tof Match Investment Ltd, based in Onitsha. The agency's intelligence tracking led to the apprehension of Mr. Obidike, a notorious counterfeiter of medicines and narcotics drugs. The investigation initially focused on the importation of fake Basslox capsules (ampicillin 250mg + cloxacillin 250mg). Through painstaking surveillance and follow-up, Mr. Anayo Okoye was arrested, eventually leading to the capture of Mr. Emmanuel Obidike.
Adeyeye revealed that Mr. Obidike, known in the underworld counterfeit drug trade as "Emma to-match," has a history of counterfeiting popular brands of drugs. During the arrest, authorities discovered international brands of drugs, packaging materials, and security materials in Obidike's warehouse.
The Marketing Authorization Holders of the international brands confirmed that the products recovered from Mr. Obidike were counterfeit and not manufactured by their company. Both suspects have been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra state.
These recent operations by NAFDAC demonstrate its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and eradicating the distribution of counterfeit products in Nigeria. The agency continues to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the integrity and safety of products available in the market.