TRADER, TWO COMPANIES CONVICTED OVER UNREGISTERED DRUGS

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted a trader, Elijah Chigbogu, and two companies over the possession, importation and distribution of unregistered drugs.

The companies, Profile & Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited, were prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

The prosecution said the offences were committed at the defendants’ business premises in Idumota and Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, in July 2025. The defendants were accused of possessing and displaying unregistered medicines for sale and distributing them in breach of relevant laws.

The prosecution presented a four-count charge covering the alleged possession, importation and distribution of the drugs. The defendants pleaded guilty to all four counts.

Following the guilty pleas and consideration of the plea bargain agreement, Justice Musa Kakaki convicted the defendants.

The court subsequently sentenced Chigbogu to a fine of ₦1.5m. The report did not indicate a separate custodial sentence for the two companies.

The case forms part of ongoing regulatory and enforcement efforts against the circulation of unregistered medicines in Nigeria.

NAFDAC has continued to warn businesses and members of the public about the health risks associated with medicines that have not been properly registered and approved for sale.