Nkemakonam appeared before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a three-count charge filed against him by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The agency accused the trader of handling expired wine alongside one Okafor James Cyril, who is currently at large, at the Balogun Business Association Trading Complex, Lagos, on April 3, 2024.
The defendant had initially pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned in 2024 and was subsequently granted bail. However, at the resumed hearing, he informed the court of his intention to change his plea, after which he admitted to the charges.
Following his guilty plea, NAFDAC prosecutor, Cynthia Igweiro, asked the court to adjourn the matter to allow the prosecution to review the facts of the case ahead of sentencing.
She also requested that Nkemakonam be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), an application that was not opposed by the defence counsel.
Justice Bogoro subsequently adjourned the case until November 18, 2026, for a review of the facts and sentencing. The judge also ordered that the defendant remain in NCoS custody.
In the first count, Nkemakonam was accused of possessing expired Mosto Tinto wine at the Balogun Business Association Trading Complex, an offence punishable under Section 3 of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The second count accused him of storing the wine, which was allegedly unfit for human consumption, in violation of Section 1(1)(b) of the Food and Drugs Act, Cap. F32, LFN, 2004, punishable under Section 17(1) of the same legislation.
The third count bordered on the alleged storage of adulterated food products, contrary to Section 1(2) of the Food and Drugs Act.
NAFDAC maintained that the offences were committed on April 3, 2024, at the Balogun Business Association Trading Complex in Lagos.
