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NAFDAC shuts down Aba Cemetery Market producing fake wine, beverages, confiscates N5bn products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has for the second time, shutdown Aba, Cemetery Market in Abia State for sale of fake bottles of wines and beverages.
This is contained in a statement signed by the agency Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
Adeyeye said that the cemetery market was regarded as the most dreaded and hitherto safe haven for the largest cartel ring for the manufacture of fake wines and beverages in Africa.
She said that NAFDAC decisive move was aimed at curbing the circulation of fake and substandard bottles of wine and beverages in Nigeria.
“The NAFDAC boss said that the operation was carried out in conjunction with the military, Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
According to Adeyeye, some of the nefarious activities of the counterfeiters included the manufacturing of all kinds of adulterated products especially bottles of wine of different brands.
The NAFDAC boss listed some of the wines as Seaman Schnapps, Henessy, Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry Gin, Schnapp Dry Gin, McDowells, and Black labels.
Others are Gordons, Martell, Campari, Smirnoff ice, Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink, Evra Non-Alcoholic Drink, Cartel and others.
The NAFDAC boss said that in the extensive operation, the agency raided over 240 shops which turned factories where harmful products were being produced and marketed.
“The shops turned factories are very filthy, using water from very unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, colouring, dirty recycled bottles and cloned packaging materials of other brands.
“The adulteration of alcoholic beverages by criminal elements in the country is done by mixing cheaper sources of sugar and starch, besides grapes or fruit, and other harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.
“Over 1,500 cartons of the fake and substandard products were destroyed during the operation.
“The street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products in 2023 is estimated at over N750,000,000.
“The estimated value of products mopped up during the December 15, 2024, operation is N5 billion.
“The products being revalidated and mopped up include: Soft and carbonated drinks such as Fanta, Coca Cola, Schweppes, Lacasera, Sprite, Hollandia Yoghurt, Super Commando Energy Drink, Feyrouz and Amstel Malta.
“Aside from drinks, there are fake home beverages such as: Peak Sachet Milk, Cowbell Sachet Milk, Peak Chocolate Drink, Miksi Sachet Milk, Cadbury Chocolate Drink and Ovaltine,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC boss said that prior to the evacuation of these products, they were being produced in the market and neatly packaged and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
She however, on behalf of NAFDAC management, appreciated the support of Gov. Alex Otti, Abia State Governor for making project “Operation Clean UP Aba” possible.
She said that the Mayor of Aba South and the interim management committee of the market and other stakeholders have been working assiduously with NAFDAC on the project leading to the discovery of another three major warehouses.
Adeyeye said that the warehouses stockpiling expired HOLLANDIA YOGHURT for revalidation on the 22nd of January 2025.
She said that NAFDAC wishes to assure the public of her determination to safeguard the health of the nation and enjoins the general public to report any suspected fake and substandard regulated product to agency’s nearest office. (NAN)
Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.
In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.
The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.
“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.
“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.
She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”
“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.
Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.
“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.
“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.
“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”
These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.
The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.
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Governor Uba Sani Extends Warm Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Unity and Reflection in Kaduna State
As the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH begins, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and across the globe.
In his Ramadan message, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and solidarity during this sacred period.
Governor Sani urged Muslims to embrace the noble values of Ramadan, including generosity, brotherhood, and cooperation. He called on citizens to share food, love, time, and respect with the less privileged in society, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that defines the holy month.
“This is the time to renew our relationship with Almighty Allah and seek His mercy for our state and country,” Governor Sani stated. He also encouraged citizens to pray fervently for the sustenance of peace and unity in Kaduna State, highlighting the strength of the state’s diversity.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring sustainable growth and development in Kaduna State. “As a government, we shall continue to do all that is necessary to place Kaduna State irreversibly on the path to progress,” he said.
Governor Sani concluded his message with a prayer for the spirit of Ramadan to illuminate the hearts and souls of all citizens. “May this holy month bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation. Ramadan Mubarak,” he added.
As Muslims across Nigeria commence the holy month of Ramadan, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend Joseph Hayab, has called on the government to tackle insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship in the country.
In a goodwill message to the Muslim community on Saturday, Reverend Hayab emphasised the importance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, devotion, and unity.
He urged both leaders and citizens to use the fasting season to promote national cohesion through interfaith dialogue and mutual support.
“This special time is not only an opportunity for reflection and devotion but also a chance to strengthen the bonds of community and friendship,” he said.
“May your fasts be accepted, your prayers answered, and your hearts be filled with appreciation for the blessings in your lives.”
He also extended his best wishes to Muslims and their families, expressing hope that the period would bring peace, joy, and spiritual growth.
“In this blessed month, may you find tranquillity in your worship and kindness in your deeds. Let us embrace the spirit of giving and compassion, supporting one another as we journey through this sacred time,” he said.
Reverend Hayab reiterated his appeal to the government, stressing the urgent need to address the security and economic challenges facing Nigerians.
“We are appealing to the government to bring an end to insecurity, hunger, and hardship in the country,” he stated.
He further prayed for divine blessings upon the nation’s citizens and leaders, urging all Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to seek solutions to the country’s challenges through unity and honest dialogue.