My Pikin: Judge remands CEO, others in prison custody
By Tony Amokeodo
Published: Friday, 6 Mar 2009
A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Thursday, remanded the Chief Executive Officer of Barewa Pharmaceutical Limited, Kola Okunlola in Ikoyi Prison, following his alleged involvement in the production of a contaminated teething mixture- My Pikin.

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my pikin syrup

Justice Okechukwu Okeke also directed that two officials of the firm, Adeyemo Abiodun and Egbele Eromosele, should be remanded.

Okunlola who wore blue Ankara looked calm when he was brought to court about 9.05am

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control had arraigned the accused on a six-count charge that bordered on manufacturing of adulterated drug (My Pikin baby teething mixture).

They were said to have engaged in the act with the intention of causing death or grievous bodily harm to members of the public.

According to NAFDAC, the offence is contrary to sections 1 (18) (a) (ii); 1 (18) (b) (ii) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No 25 of 1999.

If convicted, the accused might be sentenced to between five and 15 years with an option of fine.

NAFDAC also claimed that the accused committed the offence in October 2008 at Barewa Pharmaceutical Limited, 1-5, Olugbo Close, Shasha Road, Akowonjo Lagos.

The agency also alleged that the accused distributed, sold, conspired and changed materially, the quality or efficacy of the contaminated drug without notice to the purchasers.

The charge sheet dated March 2, 2009 was signed by a Senior State Counsel, A.K. Alilu, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

When the matter came up yesterday (Thursday) the lawyer to NAFDAC, Mr. Kingsley Ejiofor, told the court that the agency had filed a six-count charge against the accused and urged the court to allow them take their pleas.

The accused, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.

The lawyer to the accused, Mr. Osaro Eghobamien (SAN), told the court that he would soon file a bail application and urged the court to fix a date for the hearing of the bail application.

Justice Okeke later adjourned the case till May 4.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, and other officials were also present in court during the proceedings.