Regulatory Affairs
Court Convicts Lagos Trader, Two Companies Over Fake and Unregistered Drugs
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted a trader and two companies over the unlawful possession, importation and distribution of fake and unregistered medicines following guilty pleas entered by the defendants.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a Lagos-based trader, Elijah Chigbogu, and two companies associated with him, Prolife & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited, over the unlawful possession, display for sale, importation and distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.
The conviction followed guilty pleas entered by all three defendants before the presiding judge, Justice Musa Kakaki, in proceedings arising from charges filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
NAFDAC arraigned the defendants on a four-count charge relating to offences allegedly committed on or about 28 July 2025 at their respective business premises at No. 58, Obun Eko Street, Idumota, Lagos Island, and No. 29, Oluwale Loyole Street, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos.
The medicines found in their possession and offered for sale included fake and unregistered products intended for the management of allergies, hypertension, diabetes, pain and other health conditions.
Following a review of the plea bargain agreement and consideration of the defendants’ guilty pleas, Justice Kakaki convicted the three defendants.
The court sentenced the first defendant, Elijah Chigbogu, to a fine of ₦1.5 million.
NAFDAC said the prosecution forms part of its efforts to tackle the circulation of fake and substandard regulated products in Nigeria.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing persons involved in the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of fake and substandard regulated products, stating that it would continue to prosecute such offences to the fullest extent of the law.