NSCDC Discovers Suspected Unlicensed Juice Plant in Badagry, Two Arrested

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps announced on September 21 that it had discovered a suspected unlawful juice manufacturing operation in Badagry. Two women were taken into custody in connection with the site. Speaking with journalists after the discovery, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, the command's public relations officer, said the identities of the two suspects were not being released because inquiries were still underway. According to him, the facility is accused of distributing unauthorized juice packets to markets throughout Lagos. Packaged products were reportedly discovered at the location, and some had allegedly been placed inside container trucks for delivery. Abolurin further alleged that minors aged 15 and 16 were part of the activities at the facility. The Corps said materials recovered included sugar, water, adhesives, dyes and colourants, which it stated were used during production. During questioning, one suspect said her grandmother had started the factory and that it had run for almost 20 years before closing because of difficulties. She stated that the operation was seeking to renew its NAFDAC registration and that it made juice only around three or four times each year, depending on orders from customers. The NSCDC said its investigation is continuing and that the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court soon.