Blessing Bello, Reporting
A 49-year-old man, Benjamin Segun Bright, was on Thursday brought before an Osogbo Magistrate Court in Osun State, facing a three-count charge bordering on the sale and possession of adulterated herbal products.
The defendant, who was arraigned alongside others said to be at large, is accused of committing the offences on 20 July 2026 at approximately 9:30 am around Odo-Ola Street, in the Igbona area of Osogbo, within the Osogbo Magisterial District.
The Commissioner of Police was represented in court by Inspector Temitope Fatoba, while the accused was defended by his counsel, K.E. Ngwoke.
According to the charge sheet, the first count alleges that Bright and his accomplices conspired to commit a felony, specifically “exposing for sale things unfit for food or drink” and being in possession of adulterated or counterfeit products. This offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State, 2002.
The second count accused the defendant of having in his possession various adulterated teas and drinks with the intent to sell them as food or drink. The items listed include Bright Life Herbal Tonic, Kaye Bitters, Bright Life Herbal Teas, Atura Herbal Balm, and Dr. Fresh Super Bleach. The prosecution stated that these products were in a state unfit for human consumption and noxious, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 243(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State, 2002.
The third count alleged that Bright unlawfully adulterated the herbal teas and tonic intended for sale as food or drink, knowing that they were likely to be sold as such. This offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 243(2) of the same law.
Upon the charges being read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty. His counsel, Mr. Ngwoke, subsequently moved an application for bail on his behalf.
Presiding Chief Magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, granted the accused bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that one of the sureties must be a house owner with valid identification and must be prepared to deposit the title document of the property.
The second surety, the court ruled, must be a responsible person with three years’ tax clearance, while the address provided must be verifiable by the prosecutor or a court clerk.
Chief Magistrate Ayilara subsequently adjourned the matter to 30 November 2026 for further hearing.
