NAFDAC PROSECUTES MAN OVER ALLEGED IMPORTATION OF FAKE TRAMADOL

One Afamefuna Udensi, who is being prosecuted by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for allegedly importing fake Tramadol into the country has been granted bail by A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. 

The 43 year old businessman was granted a N10 million bail for allegedly importing fake tramadol on Monday. He was arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a three-count charge of importation and sale of fake and unregistered drugs.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all three charges. His counsel, Emeka Okpoko (SAN) told the court that his client was on an administrative bail by NAFDAC. 

He also pleaded with the court to grant him more time to do the necessary by filing for a bail for his client. The court had adjourned proceedings to November 15th, 2021 for hearing of the pplication bail.

Although the Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Barthlomew Simon objected to the bail application. He stated that the accused might jump bail and disappear.

Responding, the defence counsel debunked the claim saying that his client, although already on administrative bail, willfully appepearednin court before now. He argued that it will be a travesty of justice if his client is denied bail.

Consequently, the trial judge obliged the defence counsel and granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million. 

He said the amount must be deposited in the name of the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. He asked the defendant to produce a surety on grade level 12 in the Civil Service. 

He subsequently adjourned the case till February 11, 2022 for continuation of trial.

In the charge files, the prosecutors alleged that the defendant, who is domiciled at 2, Ezinwanne Stret, Onitsha, Anambra State committed the said offence on importing unregistered and fake 100gramms of Tramadol into the country on October 26th, 2021. 

The offence was said to contravene the provisions of Sections 1(c), 1(1) and 3(1) of Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, (Miscellaneous Provisions Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation 2004, as well as the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration) Act, Cap. F33, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Credit: Eons Intelligence