By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has arrested a local footballer, Mr. Ikechukwu Elijah, for allegedly operating an illegal chemical factory in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja and distributing hazardous, unregistered products to the public.
In a statement on Friday, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Adegboyega Osiyemi, said Elijah was caught counterfeiting popular brands of insecticides and other chemicals in a residential building. His younger brother was also arrested during the raid.
The operation, led by Mr. Embugushiki Godiya of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate and the Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods, uncovered sealing machines, high-capacity cylinders, large chemical containers, and finished products valued at over N60 million.
Elijah, who initially denied involvement, confessed after a search of the premises.
In a related operation, NAFDAC sealed MZEE Table Water, an illegal factory in Damangaza, Abuja, producing packaged water under unsanitary conditions with an expired and fake license.
The facility lacked essential certification, including a certified borehole and water treatment system.
Further investigations led the taskforce to a shopping plaza opposite the World Trade Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, where counterfeit rice and packaging materials were seized.
The items were allegedly being used to re-bag popular brands for unsuspecting consumers.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, commended enforcement officers for their vigilance and urged Nigerians to avoid unverified products, stressing that counterfeit goods pose a major risk to public health, consumer safety, and the economy. She assured that all suspects would be prosecuted.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying nationwide crackdowns on fake food, chemicals, beverages, and medicines as part of efforts to restore public confidence in regulated products.
