By Peace Udugba
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested local footballer Ikechukwu Elijah for producing and distributing hazardous, unregistered chemicals from an illegal factory in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja.
According to a statement by NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Adegboyega Osiyemi, Elijah was caught counterfeiting popular brands of chemicals and insecticides in a residential building.
Initially denying involvement, Elijah later confessed after a thorough search. His younger brother was also arrested at the scene.
Seized items included sealing machines, high-capacity cylinders, chemical containers, and large quantities of counterfeit products. The operation was led by Mr. Embugushiki Godiya of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.
In a related raid, NAFDAC sealed an illegal water factory—MZEE Table Water—in Damangaza, Abuja, for operating in unhygienic conditions with a fake license. Counterfeit rice and packaging materials valued at over N60 million were also seized.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to avoid fake or suspicious products and pledged to prosecute all suspects involved.
