Court Fines Trader, 2 Firms N1.5m For Dealing In Fake Drugs

Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted a trader, Elijah Chigbogu, and two companies, Profile & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited, over the possession, display, importation and distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.

Justice Kakaki convicted the defendants after they pleaded guilty to a four-count charge brought against them by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The convictions followed a plea bargain agreement reached between the defendants and the regulatory agency.

Prosecuting counsel, Anita Madu, told the court that the defendants were found in possession of several drugs allegedly classified as fake, as well as medicines not registered for sale in Nigeria.

The drugs listed in the charge included Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol 200ml Suspension, Zirtek Allergy Relief, Candesartan 4mg Tablets, Nicorette 4mg, Lisinopril 10mg Tablets, Canesten Thrush 20mg and Anusol Ointment.

Others were Gaviscon Double Action, Prolife Vitamin C, Gliclazide 80mg Tablets, Amitriptyline 25mg Tablets, Allopurinol 300mg Tablets, Levothyroxine 50mg Tablets and Dexazosin 2mg Tablets.

Madu said the offences were allegedly committed on or about July 28, 2025, at the defendants’ premises in Idumota and Ikotun-Egbe areas of Lagos.