NSCDC arrests two women over alleged fake fruit juice production in Badagry

By Adebola Muili

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested two women over the alleged production of fake fruit juice at an illegal factory in Badagry, Lagos State.

The command paraded the suspects, aged 48 and 50, on Monday, September 21, 2026, following their arrest during an operation carried out by its Badagry operatives after about five days of surveillance.

According to the NSCDC, the suspects were allegedly caught in the act at the factory during an operation conducted between Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation in the area.

The Corps said the operation followed intelligence gathered through its community engagement efforts, adding that operatives had to overcome resistance from some youths who allegedly attempted to prevent the operation.

The NSCDC alleged that the factory was producing “Barkas Juice” by mixing water with synthetic chemical flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes, preservatives and other additives, without the use of real fruit.

It further alleged that the product was manufactured and distributed under a purportedly fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, 01-2166L.

The Corps said the suspected fruit juice was produced in an unhygienic environment and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City in Edo State and other parts of the country.

The NSCDC also alleged that preliminary investigation showed that the product contained high levels of sugar, water, colourants, dyes and additives.

It said the investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the production and distribution of the suspected adulterated drink.

The lead suspect, aged 48, reportedly told investigators that her grandmother initially operated a water production business before moving into Barkas fruit juice production, which she allegedly inherited about 20 years ago.

Items recovered from the factory included a truck, cartons of the suspected Barkas fruit juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder.

The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, said the suspects would undergo further investigation and be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Keshinro also ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered factory to prevent what he described as possible adverse effects on unsuspecting consumers.

He added that the command would collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to ensure that the matter was properly investigated and justice served.

The NSCDC statement also alleged that consumption of the suspected fake fruit juice could have adverse health consequences. However, such health claims would require appropriate medical or laboratory evidence to establish the specific effects of the product.

The command said its investigation would continue to determine the full extent of the alleged production and distribution network.