Two arrested in Jos as NAFDAC cracks down on expired product relabelling

By Benita Ibrahim 

Jos, Plateau State – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested two individuals for selling expired wine and assorted beverages in Jos, following a targeted raid on a local warehouse in the Apata area.

Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s North-Central Zonal Director, said the seized products had been out of date since 2022. He added that some of the drinks had been tampered with, with original expiry dates removed and relabelled to deceive consumers.

“Unscrupulous individuals are selling expired products in small quantities to avoid detection. A consumer report led us to this facility,” Azikiwe explained during a press conference at Jos North Local Government Area.

The suspects, Yusuf Hassan and Emmanuel Nwobi, are now in custody. Azikiwe said Yusuf applied the altered dates while Nwobi supplied the labels. Both will be charged in court at the earliest opportunity, and authorities are still investigating other potential accomplices.

He emphasized that NAFDAC will not relent in its efforts to rid the market of dangerous, counterfeit, and expired products that jeopardize public safety, especially during the festive season. He urged consumers to always check manufacturing and expiry dates on labels, rather than stickers, before purchasing any product.

Dr. Obida Gwany, Plateau State Coordinator of NAFDAC, condemned the act, calling it “reckless and appalling,” and reinforced the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

During questioning, Yusuf Hassan claimed he was unaware the products had been tampered with. “I only supplied the drinks to meet customer demand. I didn’t know the expiry dates had been altered from 2022 to 2027,” he said.

NAFDAC has assured the public that it will continue regular market inspections and urged consumers to report any suspicious products immediately.

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