Lagos ‘fake juice’ factory busted

By Chiamaka Nwalie

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has uncovered an alleged fake fruit juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos State, arresting two women linked to the operation.

The facility was uncovered following about five days of surveillance, with the operation carried out between Saturday night, September 19, and the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026.

According to the NSCDC, the factory was allegedly producing and distributing a drink branded “Barkas Juice.”

The Corps said preliminary investigations showed that the product was allegedly made with water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes and preservatives rather than real fruit.

NSCDC also alleged that the product carried a purportedly fake NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L.

During the operation, the Corps said it recovered cartons of the juice, production equipment, chemicals, drums, gas cylinders and a truck from the premises.

The NSCDC described the production environment as unhygienic and said further investigations would be conducted into the operation.

However, the alleged owner of the facility, Morenikeji Alawiye, gave a different account of the business.

Alawiye said the factory was established by her grandmother nearly two decades ago and initially produced bottled and sachet water before expanding into fruit juice production.

She also claimed that efforts were being made to regularise the business with NAFDAC before her arrest.

The NSCDC has ordered the closure of the facility and said the suspects would undergo further investigation before possible prosecution.

The Corps added that it would work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies as investigations continue.