Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have raided a factory allegedly producing adulterated and fake fruit juice in the Onilegbale area of Alabi Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State, arresting two women in connection with the operation.
The raid was disclosed in a video shared on CityMood Badagry’s X page on Monday, showing NSCDC operatives parading the suspects alongside exhibits recovered from the factory.
An NSCDC operative, whose name was not disclosed, said the products were allegedly distributed across Lagos markets, Edo State and other parts of the country.
He said the two female suspects, aged between 48 and 50, allegedly employed minors between the ages of 15 and 16 to assist in the production and packaging of the drinks.
“We are here today at Alabi Aradagun, particularly in Onilegbale, in Badagry area of Lagos State. We are parading successfully suspects and exhibits in the illegal production, sale and distribution of adulterated and fake fruit juice, not only in Lagos markets but up to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria,” the operative said.
“Unfortunately, two female suspects were apprehended, linked to this production, sale and distribution. Their names are withheld, and they are between the ages of 48 and 50. They hire the services of juveniles, underage boys and girls, between the ages of 15 and 16,” he added.
According to the operative, the products were packaged under the brand name Barkas and were found stored and loaded in containers at the facility.
He said preliminary examination showed that the products contained high levels of sugar, water, additives, dyes and colourants.
The operative also said a search of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) portal did not return any record for the products.
“A glimpse on the NAFDAC portal to check the validity of these products, what we saw there is that the products cannot be found,” he said.
However, one of the arrested women claimed that the factory was established by her grandmother and that its products had previously been registered.
“This factory was founded by my grandma, and the produce was registered. Then, after some challenges, the factory was shut down,” she said.
She claimed that production was not carried out daily, adding that the factory supplied products outside Lagos about three or four times a year.
The suspect also said the business had been operating for almost 20 years and claimed that the shop in Lagos belonged to her.
The NSCDC operative said further investigation would be conducted into the operation, adding that the suspects would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
