Businessman in court for allegedly importing 560 bags of substandard sugar

A businessman, Alhaji Modibbo Akilu, has been charged before a Federal High Court in Birnin-Kebbi, for allegedly importing of 560 bags of substandard sugar from Brazil into the country.

Akilu, a resident of Jega, Kebbi State has been charged before Justice Simon Amobeda.

The accused was arrested by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on October 28, 2017 for importing the goods through Kebbi State borders from a neighbouring country, while the truck filled with the product was seized at the Birnin-Kebbi main market.

The defendant has been indicted on a four count charge on violations of SON  Act. sections  31(2),26(2),1(18,ii)and section 243(1) of criminal code Act.cap C38  Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

While arraigning the defendant, on Wednesday

In the case number FHC/KB/CR/63/277, the Federal Government prosecutors led by Barr. Justice Oguadimma, told the court today, Wednesday, that the  defendant’s failure, refusal and neglect to adhere to the regulations of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, contravenes section 31(2) of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria Act.2015.

He further informed the Court that importing and concerned in the importation of products that does not comply with mandatory Standard, contradicts section 26(2) of the SON Act.,2015.

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The prosecuting counsel added that dealing in substandard manufactured or processed products, contradicts section 1(18 ii) of the miscellaneous offences Act. Cap M17,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004.

Oguadimma stated that AKilu’s action also breached section 243(1) of criminal code Act.Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of very, 2004:which prohibited possession with intent to sell as food or drink any article which has been rendered or has become noxious to be in a state unfit for food or drink.

However, Akilu pleaded not guilty to all the charges read to him.

Counsel to the defendant, Ibrahim Maiahu, hence, enjoined the court to grant his client bail stating that the offences are bailable.

The prosecutor, without objecting to the defendant bail request, noted that the defendant had been under administrative bail since his arrest.

He hence stated that vital thing ” is to make himself available whenever his attention is needed for investigation “.

Justice Amobeda  granted the defendant bail with N500,000,with two sureties that most be a Level 8 civil servants in Kebbi and Federal Governments Civil services, Kebbi State living within the jurisdiction of the Court with two passports each.

Justice Amobeda noted that that the sureties must sign a memorandum of understanding with the Registrar of the Court.

Consequently, the adjourned the case till December 7, 2017 for commencement of trial.