Nigerian couple arrested for operating fake drink factory

The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, has uncovered a building on Muibi Olawunmi, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, used to produce adulterated wine and other alcoholic drinks.

Arrested were a couple identified as Mr Austine and Mrs Magret Idemudia, who confessed during interrogation to having manufactured these drinks, which have been circulating in the southwest region of the country for the past six years.

Diaspora Digital Media learned that, upon receiving information about the couple’s illicit activities, Assistant Commissioner of Police Zone 2, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, instructed the officer in charge of the Raider Section, CSP Ngozi Braide, to conduct a raid on the building.

Detectives from the section, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, reportedly raided the building on April 4, 2024, where they encountered Mrs. Margret Idemudia.

The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ayubat Umma, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that unlabeled and branded bottles of unsuspected adulterated alcoholic drinks and containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages were recovered during the raid.

She said, “Equipment such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines used in the production of the alcoholic drinks were also recovered from the apartment.

“Other items, including brand labels of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine Drinks in packs, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as a filter), and corkscrew, among various other production and branding items, were found there.

“One Margret Austine, a female, was apprehended at the scene. She confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. “Baba Joshua”). Margret confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun States.

“Given this incident, AIG Durosinmi urges the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages. He expresses concern that the presence of adulterated products poses a serious risk to consumer health.”

The Zone is actively investigating this case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available,” she stated.

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