16th June, 2010
The Federal High Court, Lagos, on Tuesday adjourned till July 7, ruling on whether to re-open the factory that manufactured suspected child-killer teething mixture, `My Pikin.’
NAFDAC had in 2009 dragged the Managing Director of Barewa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kola Okunola, to court for allegedly producing the mixture and sealed the company.
He was charged along with his employees, Adeyemo Abiodun and Egbele Austine as well as his firm, Barewa Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Osaro Eghobamien (SAN), had urged the court to order NAFDAC to unseal the company, pending the determination of the case.
“In the alternative, my client wants the court to order NAFDAC to seal only the section that produces ‘my pikin’ drug,’’ he said.
Counsel to NAFDAC, Mr. Tony Ijohor (SAN), opposed the application on the ground that “the company was sealed to protect it as a crime scene as the court was yet to visit it.
“The raw materials used in the production of `my pikin’ is stored in the same place with raw materials used for the production of other drugs.
“The administrative block is also in the same building with the manufacturing unit of ‘my pikin’. So, there is no way one block can be opened without it affecting our evidence,’’ Ijohor argued.
He contended that the application was a ploy to tamper with the scene of crime before the conclusion of trial.
Justice Okechukwu Okeke consequently adjourned the case till July 7, 9 and 12 for ruling and the commencement of trial.