By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Senior Correspondent
Mr Olayemi Lateef, a traditional medical practitioner, has been docked by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), before a Federal High Court, Lagos, for allegedly producing fake and counterfeit sex enhancing drugs.
In a six-count charge, preferred against Lateef, the anti-narcotics agency averred that the accused who is a leader of the Psychotherapists Association of Nigeria (PAN), was alleged to have on January 23, 2018, at 1, Kolaq Street, Denro Road, Kolaq Bus Stop, Ojodu Berger , Lagos, manufactured fake drugs to with : Libigal for men and Universur D’ Booster.
According to the charge, the offence allegedly committed is said to be contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act , Cap.C34,LFN,2004 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act.
Count two of the charge reads: “that you Olayemi Lateef, Male, of Kolaq Street, Isasi-Akute, Ogun State, on or about January 23, 2018, at the same address within the jurisdiction of the court, was found in possession of fake drugs to wit: Libigal for Men and Universur D’ Booster contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods( Miscellaneous Provisions) Act , Cap, C34, LFN 2004 punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the same Act.
Count three of the charge reads: “that you Olayemi Lateef, at the same time and place, did advertise the said fake and counterfeit drugs Libigal for Men and Universur D” Booster, an offence punishable under the same Act.
After hearing the charge against him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and consequent upon his no-guilty plea, the prosecution represented by Mr Adumen Jombo asked the court for a trial date.
However, counsel to accused, Mr. Victor Opara informed the court of a pending application for the defendant’s bail which he consequently moved.
In moving the application for bail, Opara told the court of the health challenges of the defendant which he said has defied orthodox medicine and that Olayemi now relied on traditional medicine for his treatment. He added that such traditional medicine are not available in the prison for the treatment of defendant.
Opara further submitted that his client had always submitted himself to court when ever the matter comes up since he was granted administrative bail, and that there is no likelihood that he will jump bail if granted.
He further added that the law presumed that his client is innocent until proved otherwise by the court, this he said, makes the balance of convenience tilts in favour of the defendant.
He therefore urged the court to grant bail to his client.
Having listened to the submission of counsel on the bail application, Justice Ayotunde Faji, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judge also ordered that the sureties must show to court evidence of three years tax payment, means of livelihood and have their addresses verified by the court’s registrar.
Justice Faji while adjourning the matter till May 21 and 22, 2018 for trial, however ordered that the accused be remanded in prisons custody, pending the perfection of the bail terms.
