FAKE DRUGS: COURT REMANDS ONITSHA BIZMAN IN PRISON CUSTODY

An Onitsha-based businessman, Mr. Kingsley Ukungwu was yesterday arraigned before Justice Peter Olayiwola of the Federal High Court, Awka, over fake drugs.

The accused who was arrested by officials of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was arraigned under three count charges of distribution, possession and adulteration in Suit No FHC/AWK/33C/2010.

When the charge brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria through her prosecution counsel, Mr Charles Umweni, was read to him, Ukungwu pleaded not guilty.

The charge read: 'That you, Kingsley Ukungwu of No 10, Gunning Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, on or about the month of May, 2010, at the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did distribute fake drugs to wit: Novasc tablets and Metakelfin tablets and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (miscellaneous provisions) Act, Cap C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 3 (1) of the same Act.

'That you, Kingsley Ukungwu of No 10, Gunning Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, on or about the month of May, 2010, at the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did sell fake drugs to wit: Novasc tablets and Metakelfin and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (b) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (miscellaneous provisions) Act, Cap C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 3 (1) of the same Act.

'That you, Kingsley Ukungwu of No 10, Gunning Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, on or about the month of May, 2010, at the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did distribute fake drugs to wit: Novasc tablets and Metakelfin and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (miscellaneous provisions) Act Cap C34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act.'

However, the oral application by the accused counsel, Mr Chiedozie Ogbueli for bail of his client was rejected by the presiding judge. The matter was adjourned to July 29, for mention and for the counsel to the accused to apply appropriately for bail, while the accused was remanded in prison custody. Ukungwu was said to have adulterated about 17 products especially some drugs belonging to Pfizer and was arrested by NAFDAC officials.