The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has secured the conviction of an Aba-based businessman, Innocent Okoye, for manufacturing and selling counterfeit Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Okoye, the Managing Director of Chikason Industrial Nigeria Limited, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦5 million fine, by the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State.
Justice K. O. Ogundare delivered the judgment on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, after finding Okoye guilty on two counts relating to the manufacture and sale of counterfeit olive oil.
According to NAFDAC, the case followed an enforcement operation conducted by its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in April 2026. During the operation, officials reportedly uncovered a facility in Aba allegedly used to manufacture and distribute imitation Goya olive oil.
The agency arrested Okoye and recovered samples of the suspected counterfeit product. The samples were subsequently sent to NAFDAC’s laboratory for scientific analysis, which formed part of the evidence used in the prosecution.
The conviction comes amid the agency’s continued efforts to tackle counterfeit food products in Nigerian markets. In January 2026, NAFDAC had warned consumers about fake Goya olive oil packaged in plastic bottles and sold as genuine imported products.
At the time, the agency said some operators in Lagos had allegedly processed palm oil with colouring agents before repackaging it as Goya olive oil. NAFDAC advised consumers to pay attention to product packaging and purchase regulated goods from reputable sources.
The agency warned that counterfeit food products may contain undeclared ingredients or be produced under unhygienic conditions, potentially exposing consumers to health risks.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to intensifying market surveillance, investigating suspected cases of food adulteration and prosecuting individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit products.
The agency also urged Nigerians to report suspected fake products and illegal manufacturing activities to its offices.