A 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, who is being prosecuted by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), was arraigned on Nov. 10 before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a three-count charge of importation and sale of fake and unregistered drugs. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the plea of the defendant, his counsel, 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 November 15, for hearing of the bail application.
After the defence counsel moved the bail application on behalf of defendant on Monday, the Prosecutor Barthlomew Simon, raised objection, saying that the defendant might abscond. In his response, the defence counsel reminded the court that the defendant had been granted administrative bail by NAFDAC, adding that he (defendant) had accordingly appeared in court for his arraignment. He urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice.
In his ruling, the judge 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. He asked the defendant to produce a surety on grade level 12 in the civil service. Osiagor, thereafter, adjourned the case till February 11, 2022 for trial.
In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, who resides at No. 2, Ezinwanne St., Onitsha, Anambra, committed the offence on October 26. It further said that the defendant 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, as well as the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration) Act, Cap. F33, Laws of the Federation 2004.
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