NAFDAC nabs fake Eva table water producer

Sylvanus Eze, Awka - 11.03.2008

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned a 60-year old man, Mr. Emmanuel Okeke.

He was last Friday taken to the Federal High Court in Enugu on a four-count charge of faking of Eva Table Water but he was all the time claiming that he did not do anything to warrant arrest as he was looking for what he would eat with his family.

The suspect hailed from Umuezema, Ojoto in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State, where he also established headquarters of his fake business.

Count one of the charges had it that Mr. Okeke produced 150 cartons of unwholesome Eva Table Water, an offence contrary to section I.A of the counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods, miscellaneous provision Act Number 25 of 1999 and punishable under section 31 of the same act.

The second charge was in addition to his possession of 3, 000 pieces of Eva plastic cans in a bag and 1, 000 pieces of empty Eva water bottle and plastic cups.

The third count charge was that Mr. Okeke packaged fake 150 cartons of unwholesome Eva table water in a manner that was false.

The fourth and the last count charge was that Mr. Okeke manufactured 150 cartons of unregistered Eva Table water, an offence contrary to section 1.A of the drugs and related products Act. No. 19 of 1993 as amended and punishable under section 6 of the same act.

When the charges were read to him in the Federal High Court Enugu, Mr. Okeke pleaded not guilty, shouting “when has it become an offence to sell water in the market, this is what I do to eat or do you expect me to stay idle and die with my family, it is intimidation.”