The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has brought charges against Peter Obih, a businessman, and his company, Sea Map Nigeria Limited, for obstructing NAFDAC officials during the inspection of alleged counterfeit Crusader Medicated Soap products.
The defendants appeared before Justice Nkemakonam Ogazi at the Federal High Court in Lagos, facing three charges related to obstruction, aiding a suspect, and the importation of unregistered Crusader drug products.
The charges were filed by NAFDAC Prosecutor Ngozi Emma-Afoke, who informed the court that the incidents occurred on July 18, 2023, at Plot C23, Amuwo Odofin Industries Layout, Amuwo, Lagos.
Obih was accused of hindering NAFDAC officers from performing their duties by withholding information about the whereabouts of 1,139 cartons of unregistered Crusader Medicated Soap, released to him on bond by the Nigeria Police, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
Emma-Afoke also alleged that Obih aided an individual, Mr. Osakwe (currently at large), in distributing fake drug products and Crusader Medicated Soap.
Additionally, the defendant was charged with importing unregistered Crusader Medicated Soap products, violating Sections 25 (1) 4, 1 (1), 1 (c), and 3 of NAFDAC 2004.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, prompting the prosecutor to request the remand of Obih in the Correctional Centre and the setting of a trial date.
However, the defense, represented by lawyer Isaac Obarike, informed the court about a bail application dated February 8, 2024.
Justice Ogazi granted bail to the first defendant, setting the amount at N250,000 with one surety of equivalent value.
The surety must be either a civil servant or a property owner within the court’s jurisdiction.
The defendant was handed over to his lawyer pending the fulfillment of bail conditions, and the trial is scheduled for May 22.
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