MONDAY- 15th November, 2021: Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Monday, granted a N10 million bail to a 43-year-old businessman, Afamefuna Udensi, charged with alleged importation of fake Tramadol.
The defendant is being prosecuted by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and was earlier arraigned on Nov. 10 before Justice Osiagor on a three-count charge of importation and sale of fake and unregistered drugs, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defendant, the Defence Counsel, Mr Emeka Okpoko (SAN), had informed the court that his client was granted an administrative bail by NAFDAC, and urged to appear for his arraignment.
He also told the court that he had yet to file a motion for bail for the defendant, and so, would do the needful in no time.
The court had consequently adjourned the case till Nov. 15, for hearing of the bail application.
He urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice.
Justice Osiagor in his ruling granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million which, he said, must be deposited in the name of the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, adding that the defendant must produce a surety on grade level 12 in the civil service.
He thereafter, adjourned the case till Feb. 11, for trial.
The defendant allegedly imported 100g of Phini Tramadol, which was discovered to be unregistered and fake.
The prosecution said that the offence contravened 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.
It added that the offence also contravened the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration) Act, Cap. F33, Laws of the Federation, 2004
