Shock in Anambra as Police Bust Illegal Factory Producing Toxic Fake Drinks Branded “Iyi Obeleagu Ogbanje Juice

Anambra State has been thrown into shock after operatives of the state police command uncovered an illegal factory manufacturing highly toxic fake soft drinks disguised under the bizarre brand name “Iyi Obeleagu Ogbanje Juice.” The discovery, which has since sparked outrage and concern across the state, was made during a raid conducted by the command’s Rapid Response Squad in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area. According to reports released by the police, one suspect identified as 48-year-old Chigozie Okafor has been arrested in connection with the operation, while several bottles of the poisonous drinks were recovered from the premises.

The police said the illegal factory had been secretly producing and distributing these drinks without any form of approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. The operation, which was carried out on September 3, 2025, followed intelligence reports that alerted the authorities to the suspicious activities going on in the area. Upon storming the location, officers were met with shocking scenes of a makeshift factory filled with bottles, concoctions, and unhygienic tools used in mixing the so-called juice. The discovery immediately raised fears about how many unsuspecting people may have already consumed the product and the potential health consequences that could follow.

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the recovered drinks were not only fake but also considered highly harmful to the health of both adults and children. He further disclosed that the factory had been disguising the products in order to make them appear authentic and marketable, preying on unsuspecting members of the public. According to him, the production process posed grave dangers since the contents were mixed without any scientific standards or quality control, meaning buyers were essentially consuming unknown toxic substances packaged as soft drinks.

The suspect, Chigozie Okafor, is said to be assisting police with investigations as operatives intensify efforts to trace the chain of distribution and uncover any collaborators involved in the illicit business. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has already ordered a full-scale investigation to ensure that all those behind the production and distribution network are brought to justice. In his statement, he warned others engaging in similar activities to desist immediately, insisting that the police command will not relent in safeguarding public health against the threats of greed and criminality.

The revelation has stirred a wave of anger among residents of Anambra, many of whom have expressed shock at how far some individuals are willing to go in the pursuit of money, even at the expense of human lives. Locals have lamented the dangers posed by such activities, pointing out that fake consumables have become a recurring menace in Nigerian society. From fake alcoholic beverages to adulterated medicines and now counterfeit soft drinks, the public has been left worried about the extent of danger lurking in everyday products.

Health experts have already weighed in on the development, warning of the devastating effects that consumption of such toxic drinks could have on the body. According to them, the drinks could lead to severe cases of poisoning, kidney damage, liver failure, and even death in extreme cases. Doctors stressed that both children and adults are at risk, especially given how affordable and attractive such fake products are usually made to appear in local markets. They urged the public to be cautious about what they consume and ensure that all packaged products are certified by NAFDAC before purchase.

Interestingly, the strange branding of the fake drink, “Iyi Obeleagu Ogbanje Juice,” has also drawn curiosity and criticism. Many Nigerians have described the name as disturbing and suspicious, questioning why any legitimate beverage would associate its brand with the word “Ogbanje,” a traditional term used in Igbo culture to describe children believed to repeatedly die and reincarnate. Commentators say the brand name alone should have been a red flag for consumers, though it is likely that the packaging was designed to exploit cultural curiosity and attract attention in local markets.

Online reactions have not been any less intense. Social media users have flooded platforms with angry comments, calling for the strongest possible punishment for those behind the operation. Some have argued that offenders in cases like this should face life imprisonment, given the risks they pose to society. Others expressed frustration that fake and unregistered products continue to thrive in Nigerian markets despite regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and SON, calling for stricter monitoring and harsher crackdowns.

This incident adds to a growing list of concerns about food and beverage safety in Nigeria. Only recently, reports surfaced of counterfeit alcoholic drinks being sold in some parts of the country, with victims ending up in hospitals after suffering from poisoning. The trend of fake consumables has become so alarming that consumer protection agencies are under increasing pressure to strengthen their surveillance and enforcement capacity. Analysts note that poverty and unemployment have driven many into desperate ventures, but insist that nothing justifies endangering lives for profit.

As investigations continue, there is a strong push from the public for NAFDAC to step in and conduct a thorough evaluation of markets across Anambra and beyond to fish out similar fake products. Stakeholders have emphasized that beyond arrests, there must be sustained public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on how to identify fake consumables and protect themselves. Many argue that until consumers are fully empowered with knowledge and regulatory agencies are given the resources to clamp down, criminal entrepreneurs will continue to exploit loopholes in the system.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Chigozie Okafor is seen as a significant breakthrough, but also a wake-up call to both authorities and the public. The scale of the operation and the volume of products recovered suggest that the fake drinks may already be circulating widely, raising urgent questions about how many people may have unknowingly consumed the toxic beverage. Residents of Okpoko and neighboring communities are already on high alert, with some reportedly discarding suspicious drinks purchased in local kiosks and markets.

The Anambra Police Command has assured residents that every effort will be made to dismantle the entire network and prevent a recurrence. The case also highlights the need for inter-agency collaboration, as experts believe tackling fake consumables requires coordination between the police, NAFDAC, SON, and even community leaders who can provide intelligence at the grassroots level.

As Nigerians digest the shocking details of this discovery, one thing is clear: the menace of fake and toxic consumables is not just a crime but a public health emergency that requires urgent and sustained action. For now, residents of Anambra can only hope that the crackdown will serve as a deterrent to others and that justice will be swift and decisive against those who chose to trade human lives for profit.