The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has arraigned a suspected faker, Chizoba Emmanuel, before Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly producing adulterated and substandard engine oil.
Emmanuel was arraigned on a four-count charge that borders on producing fake engine oil, unlawful and fraudulent possession of SON’s mark of quality, Certification Number and Logo, and fraudulently inscribed same on the adulterated substandard Engine Oil he produced.
According to SON Counsel, Mr Jaiye Olofindare, the defendant, a resident of the Ojo area of Lagos, was arrested on July 16, 2021, at 25 Isoko Street, By Sunny Bus Stop, Ojo, where he was producing the adulterated and substandard engine oil.
He also informed the court that the defendant failed to comply with the SON’s Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and failed to have the requisite MANCAP’s certificate to produce engine oil.
The prosecutor told the court that the offences committed by the defendant are contrary to and punishable under sections 26; 26 (a) and (b) of the Standards Organization of Nigeria Act, 2015. And section 1 (18a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The defendant denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for trial dates while also urging the court to remand the defendant till the determination of the charge.
But counsel to the defendant, U. D. R. Egbim, told the court that she was just briefed of the matter and pleaded to the court for a short date to enable her to bring her client’s application before the court.
In a short bench ruling, Justice Awogboro ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi facility of Nigerian Correctional Services.
Subsequently, the court adjourned the matter till November 29 and 30 for a definite trial.
