NAFDAC Uncovers Illegal Fake Alcohol Factory in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation in Lagos State, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of adulterated products valued at over ₦114 million.

In a statement released on Thursday, May 8, NAFDAC confirmed the arrest of Madu Abuchi Simon, who was allegedly involved in the counterfeiting of several popular alcoholic brands including Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson.

During the raid, NAFDAC officials discovered a range of materials used in the illegal operation, such as expired Amarula cream liqueur, empty branded bottles and cartons, counterfeit labels, stoves, buckets, cotton wool, and a purple chemical believed to be used for cleaning and reusing bottles.

Simon reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was captured by enforcement agents. The agency confiscated more than 100 cartons of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and has sealed the facility pending further investigation.

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NAFDAC has urged consumers to purchase alcoholic products only from verified and reputable sources, and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has initiated an investigation into alleged breaches of the Federal Character Principle by several government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

This follows a motion moved in March 2025 by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), titled “Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle,” which was adopted by the Senate.

The motion cited widespread non-compliance with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which require equitable representation in federal institutions.

Among the agencies under scrutiny are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NAFDAC, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), and the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

According to Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (Rivers East), Chairman of the Committee, the probe will examine irregularities in recruitment practices and distribution of federal infrastructure. The findings will be presented to the Senate within three months.

The investigative hearings will commence on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211, Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. All implicated agencies have been formally invited to attend and provide relevant documentation.