Man, 46, Remanded for Sale of Fake Syrup

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
A 46-year-old man, Ejike Okereke, was yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital remanded in prison for alleged production and distribution of fake cough syrup known as Codrux Cough Syrup.

Okereke, who was arraigned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Federal High Court in Awka, was charged with a five-count charge.

Counsel to NAFDAC, Mr. Jombo Adumen, said the accused who resided at James Street, Iyiowa Odekpe, Onitsha on February 2, produced, packaged and sold, fake Codrux Cough Syrup in a manner that was misleading.

Adumen said Okereke committed an offence contrary to sections of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 and punishable under the same act.

The accused, who appeared without any counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
In his ruling, Justice N. I. Oweibo ordered that Okereke be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter to April 11.