The trial of a 46-year-old Lagos resident, Ofoelo Chinenye Donatus, charged with alleged counterfeiting of exotic alcoholic beverages branded as Casamigos Tequila, is set to commence on June 11, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Justice Akintayo Aluko fixed the date after the defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Donatus pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution, led by B. Simon, the alleged offences were committed on or about January 29 and 30, 2026, at Shop No. 63, Balogun Street, Lagos Island, and at TA44/45, Balogun Ultramodern Shopping Mall Limited.
NAFDAC alleged that the defendant aided two suspects, Austine Odumodu Wine, said to be resident in Lagos State, and Ezeoba Ekwelie, reportedly based in the eastern part of Nigeria, who are currently at large.
He was also alleged to have acted with the assistance of Mrs. Akunne Obianujulu Matilda, said to be residing in the Republic of China.
The agency further alleged that Donatus facilitated the production and distribution of counterfeit Casamigos Tequila by illegally importing and selling branded packaging materials, empty bottles and corks associated with the tequila brand, contrary to Section 1(c) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under Section 3(1)(a) of the same Act.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending determination of the case. Defence counsel, however, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed for liberal terms.
In a ruling, Justice Aluko granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety in like sum.
The surety must be a Grade Level 12 officer in government employment or a property owner with registered title resident in Lagos State, and must show evidence of three years’ tax payment, submit two passport photographs and depose to an affidavit of means.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the court ordered that Donatus be remanded at the Ikoyi custodial facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Reporting By Wahab Akinlade