ASABA/Nigeria: A federal High Court sitting in Asaba, has delivered a judgment in favour of The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC in a suit filed by the solicitor of one Mr. Charles Nwokwo.
The claimant Mr. Nwokwo, had accused NAFDAC of infringing on his fundamental human rights following his arrest and the sealing of his shop by personnel of the agency last year.
Mr. Nwokwo had accused The Chairman of the Federal Taskforce Investigation and Enforcement Mr Kingsley Ejiofor, and two others for violating his rights in the course of his arrest, while claiming the sum of three million naira as compensation for damages.
Delivering judgment Justice Folashade Olubanjo, pronounced that NAFDAC had acted according to the mandate of the agency, adding that the merchant lacked evidence to convince the court regarding the violation of his fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, NAFDAC Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement in Delta State Dr. Christiana Esenwah, who lauded the court decision, said the agency had acted on a tipoff from a member of the public leading to the investigation, noting the verdict is a victory for the masses and a boost to efforts to rid the area of unwholesome food and drugs.
“Even when they are claiming violation of fundamental human rights, the court is there; they are there to call white white – and to call black, black. This man thought that he could use the judiciary against the agency, but we are happy. It encourages the agency to put in more in carrying out the mandate of safeguarding the public.”
Similarly, the Legal Adviser Mr. Jumbo Washington, emphasized the impact of the court ruling, stressing it would enhance the operational capability of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC.
