In a sustained and coordinated nationwide operation to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested a local footballer, Ikechukwu Elijah, in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja for manufacturing and distributing hazardous, unregistered chemicals to unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, PR/Protocol, Adegboyega Osiyemi, the suspect, who operated an illegal factory in a residential building, was known for counterfeiting popular brands of chemicals and insecticides. Initially, when approached for interrogation, he denied any knowledge of chemical production in the area.
However, he later confessed to the crime and admitted ownership of the illegal facility.
In a related operation, the team discovered and sealed an illegal water factory, MZEE Table Water, in the Damangaza district of Abuja for producing various brands of packaged water in unhygienic conditions with a fake and expired license.
Acting on discreet intelligence, the team also moved swiftly to a shopping plaza opposite the World Trade Centre on Constitution Avenue in the Central Business District of Abuja, where they confiscated counterfeit rice, packaging materials, and sealing machines used to re-bag popular rice brands for sale to the public.
The street value of the seized items is estimated at over ₦60 million. All suspects arrested during the operations will be charged to court in accordance with the law.
