Police burst fake alcohol production facility, nab couple

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan Lagos, has unearthed a building on Muibi Olawunmi, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, used to produce phony wine and other alcoholic drinks.

Nabbed were a couple identified as Mr Austine and Mrs Magret Idemudia, who gave a confessional statement during interrogation to having manufactured these drinks, which have been circulating in the southwest region of the country for the past six years.

This medium learned that, upon receiving an intel about the couple’s illicit activities,

AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Zone 2, ordered the officer in charge of the Raider Section, CSP Ngozi Braide, to conduct a raid on the building.

CSP Ngozi Braide-led detectives from the section, reportedly raided the building on April 4, 2024, where they found Mrs. Margret Idemudia.

SP Ayubat Umma, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the arrest, revealed that unlabeled and branded bottles of unsuspected fake alcoholic drinks and containers filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages were recovered during the raid.

“Equipment such as pumping machines, funnels, and sealing machines used in the production of the alcoholic drinks were also recovered from the apartment.

“Other items, including brand labels of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine Drinks in packs, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as a filter), and corkscrew, among various other production and branding items, were found there.

“One Margret Austine, a female, was apprehended at the scene. She confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation alongside her husband, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. “Baba Joshua”). Margret confirmed that their adulterated finished products are sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun States.

“Given this incident, AIG Durosinmi urges the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages. He expresses concern that the presence of adulterated products poses a serious risk to consumer health.”

The Zone is actively investigating this case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available,” she said.