A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted a Lagos trader, Elwah Chigbogu, and two companies linked to him over the possession, importation and distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.
Justice Musa Kakaki convicted the defendants after they pleaded guilty to a four-count charge filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The two companies are Profile & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited.
The prosecution, led by NAFDAC counsel Anita Madu, told the court that the defendants were found with fake drugs on 28th July 2025, at addresses in Idumota and Ikotun Egbe, Lagos.
The charge listed several drugs, including Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol 200ml Suspension, Zirtek Allergy Relief, Candesartan 4mg Tablets, Nicorette 4mg, Lisinopril 10mg Tablets, Canesten, Anusol Ointment, Gaviscon Double Action, Prolife Vitamin C and Gliclazide 80mg Tablets.
Others included Amitriptyline 25mg Tablets, Allopurinol 300mg Tablets, Levothyroxine 50mg Tablets and Dexazosin 2mg Tablets.
According to NAFDAC, the defendants were also accused of displaying the drugs “for the purpose of sale,” importing unregistered drugs and distributing them.
The agency said the offences were contrary to provisions of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act and the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, etc.) Act.
When the case came up for arraignment, Madu urged the court to order that the four-count charge be read to the defendants so they could enter their pleas.
The charge was read, and the defendants pleaded guilty to all four counts.
Following their guilty pleas and a review of the plea bargain agreement, Justice Kakaki convicted the defendants.
The court subsequently sentenced Chigbogu to a fine of ₦1.5 million.
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