NAFDAC Docks Man For Alleged Production Of Fake Casamigos Tequila

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned a 46-year-old man, Donatus Ofoelo, before a Federal High Court in Lagos, for allegedly manufacturing, distributing, and selling counterfeit exotic alcoholic beverages, mainly products labelled as Casamigos Tequila.

NAFDAC docked Ofoelo before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a three-count charge of manufacturing and distributing unwholesome processed food, specifically Casamigos tequila.

The prosecutor, Banabars Simon, told the court that the defendant, who resided at 12, Eze-Ilo Street, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, committed the offences around January 29 and 30, 2026, at his stores located at Shop No. 63, Balogun Street, Lagos Island, and TA44/45, Balogun Ultramodern Shopping Mall Limited, both within the court’s jurisdiction.

Simon also claimed that the defendant helped two suspects, Austine Odumodu Wine, said to reside in Lagos State, and Ezeoba Ekwelie, based in eastern Nigeria, who are currently at large, to commit the offences by illegally importing and selling related packaging materials, empty bottles, and corks.

The prosecutor further accused the defendant of collaborating with Mrs Akunne Obianujulu Matilda, who is now residing in China and reportedly assisted in the illegal activity.

He informed the court that the defendant was involved in producing counterfeit Casamigos tequila by illegally importing and selling branded packaging materials, empty bottles, and corks associated with the brand.

Simon also maintained that the offences violated Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of Nigeria, 2004, and are punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the same law.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
Based on the plea, the prosecutor requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant into the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) pending the outcome of the case.

The defence lawyer, however, told the judge that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution.

He urged the court to grant bail on generous terms.

After reviewing the application, Justice Aluko granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N2 million with one surety of in like sum.

The judge directed that the surety could be a Grade Level 12 officer or a property owner with registered title, residing in Lagos, who must provide evidence of three years of tax payments, two passport-sized photos, and an affidavit of means.

The court then adjourned the trial to June 11 and ordered that the defendant be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met.