The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raided a warehouse in Apata community, Jos North Local Government Area, arresting two suspects for altering expiry dates on expired goods.
Emma Nwobi and Yusuf Hassan were apprehended during the operation, accused of deceiving consumers by repackaging outdated wines and hot drinks. The raid forms part of NAFDAC’s intensified efforts to safeguard product quality ahead of the festive season.
North Central Zone Director Kenneth Azikiwe, who led the team, told journalists: “We’re here today to address a concerning issue where some unscrupulous individuals are altering the dates on expired products to deceive consumers. They’re sold in small quantities to avoid suspicion. However, a consumer recently reported an issue, and our investigation led us to this facility.”
He detailed how items were cleaned with chemicals to erase original manufacturing and expiry dates before being re-labeled. “We have two suspects in custody: Yusuf, who applied the altered dates, and the facility owner, who provided the labels. We’ve encountered similar cases before.”
Azikiwe emphasized routine market surveillance: “Our team regularly checks markets, distributors, supermarkets, and sales outlets to ensure product safety. During this festive period, our Director General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has directed us to be extra vigilant. We’re working to ensure all products are safe and of good quality.”
He advised consumers to scrutinize labels, not stickers, for dates.
State Coordinator Dr. Obida Musa condemned the act: “It is truly unfortunate to witness such reckless behaviour. It’s appalling and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.” Musa urged reporting suspicious products to NAFDAC.
Suspect Yusuf Hassan pleaded ignorance: “I don’t usually sell Pure Heaven products, but customers kept asking for it. I told them I didn’t have it, and they kept pestering me. I mentioned this to Emma Nwobi, a supplier, and he said he had some in his store. He gave me the product, and I didn’t know the expiry date had been altered. The original date was 2020, but it was changed to 2027. I didn’t realize it was expired. I buy from Mr Emma Nwobi and sell to people around me. I don’t have a shop, I just supply products to various places. I’m pleading for leniency, as I’ve never done this before.”
Truth Live News confirms NAFDAC’s ongoing nationwide purge of unregistered, expired, falsified, or banned products posing health risks.