NAFDAC ARRAIGNS 72 YEAR OLD TYCOON FOR IMPORTING UNREGISTERED BRAZILIAN SUGAR

IKOYI, Lagos, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has commenced trial of 72-year-old business tycoon, Esther Akinsanya, who was charged to court by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), for allegedly importing and repackaging unregistered Brazilian sugar as granulated sugar.

She was charged with her company, Esther Olufumilayo Nigeria Ltd, before Justice Ayokunle Faji. During the trial, NAFDAC prosecutor, Mr. Umar Shamak informed the court that the agency has an amended charge which was granted by the court after the defense counsel failed to oppose the oral application.

The defendant who was earlier arraigned on 4-count charge bordering on false representation, importation and distribution of unregistered products this time pleaded not guilty to the 6 count amended charge.

After her plea, the prosecutor presented the IPO who led the investigation and four bag of sugars, two sewing machines, three range of threads, scale, generating set and some empty sugar bags to be admitted as exhibit. Ruling on the argument, Justice Faji said relevance is the basis of admitting statements not signature.