By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court has remanded two businessmen in custody over their alleged involvement in the importation of counterfeit condoms into Nigeria.
The accused persons, identified as 32-year-old Emeka Daniel and 35-year-old Ugochukwu Eze, were arraigned by the police on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and obstruction of justice. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution, led by Josephine Ikhayere, the suspects, alongside other accomplices still at large, allegedly committed the offences on June 23. They were accused of importing fake Kiss brand condoms into the country.
Ikhayere also informed the court that the duo also allegedly interfered with the course of justice by assisting one of the co-importers and sellers of the product to evade arrest.
The charges brought against the defendants are said to be in violation of Sections 97(1), 362, and 412 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015. As outlined by the prosecution, Section 362 stipulates up to three years’ imprisonment for forgery, while Section 97(1) provides for a two-year jail term for obstructing justice.
Presiding over the matter, Magistrate Lafeef Owolabi granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 and directed that they provide two responsible sureties in like amount.
The case was adjourned until August 21 for further hearing.