The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has arrested a local footballer in Abuja for running an illegal chemical factory and seized counterfeit goods worth more than ₦60 million in a sweeping enforcement operation.
The suspect, identified as Ikechukwu Elijah, was picked up in the Apo-Waru area where he allegedly produced and distributed unregistered chemicals disguised as popular household brands. According to NAFDAC, Elijah initially denied any link to the operation but confessed after investigators uncovered evidence inside the residential building housing the factory. His younger brother, found at the scene, was also detained.
Officials said the raid was led by enforcement officer Embugushiki Godiya, who also serves on the newly established Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods. Machines, chemical drums, large cylinders, and dozens of finished products were taken away from the site.
In a separate operation, NAFDAC sealed off MZEE Table Water in the Damangaza district for packaging bottled water in filthy conditions with a fake and expired license. Investigators discovered that the plant lacked a certified borehole and had no water treatment facilities. When contacted, the factory’s owner claimed the business was properly registered but was not present during the enforcement. Only a co-tenant witnessed the closure.
Acting on intelligence, the team later stormed a shopping complex opposite the World Trade Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, where they seized counterfeit rice and equipment used to re-bag and sell popular brands.
Godiya put the street value of the seized products at over ₦60 million and credited the success to strict orders from NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who has directed field officers to step up efforts to protect Nigerians from harmful and fake goods.
Counterfeit products have long plagued Nigeria’s markets, exposing citizens to dangerous substances and eroding trust in legitimate businesses. NAFDAC has warned that such items not only endanger lives but also damage the economy. The agency said all suspects arrested will face prosecution.
Prof. Adeyeye has repeatedly urged Nigerians to buy only NAFDAC-certified products and report suspicious items, stressing that consumer vigilance is critical to stopping the spread of fake medicines, chemicals, food, and beverages. Abuja, as a key distribution hub, remains a hotbed for enforcement actions as the agency intensifies surveillance across the country.