Trial Resumes Over Alleged Substandard Sachet Water Production in Delta
The trial of a business entity accused of producing substandard sachet water and obstructing regulatory officials resumed yesterday at the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State. Fresh testimonies from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) detailed alleged violations of quality regulations, marking a significant development in this ongoing legal battle.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The case, brought by SON against the director of Address Table Water, is being heard before Justice Olufumilayo Agbaje. The defendant faces a 10-count charge that includes allegations of producing substandard sachet water, harassment of SON officials, and obstruction of regulatory duties. These offences are said to contravene provisions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015.
During the resumed hearing, the prosecution's principal witness, Delta State Coordinator of SON, Ms. Nnenne Egbo, provided detailed testimony about the agency's inspection and enforcement activities at the Address Table Water factory. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel J. Ogoadinma, Egbo described how SON officials visited the factory in February 2022 as part of routine regulatory enforcement and compliance checks.
Evidence Presented in Court
Egbo tendered numerous official documents before the court, including letters and inspection reports, which were admitted in evidence and marked as Exhibits A to F. She informed the court that on February 7, 2022, she personally visited the factory to present a letter of introduction and other regulatory notices to the defendant.
"I can recognise the letters by their headings and dates," she stated, noting that they included notices of inspection and letters informing the company of regulatory violations.
According to her testimony, when SON officials attempted to present official correspondence and laboratory test results to the company's director, he allegedly refused to accept the documents. Egbo further explained that the product could not be tested on-site because the factory did not have a testing kit available at the time.
Cross-Examination and Defense Claims
During cross-examination, defense counsel C. Anyafulu questioned the intent behind SON officials' visit to the factory on February 22, 2022. The defense claimed that the visit was primarily aimed at generating internally generated revenue (IGR) through certification rather than conducting a quality inspection.
Egbo firmly rejected this claim, insisting that the visit was for inspection, invitation, and enforcement purposes, in line with the agency's statutory responsibilities. "I disagree with that suggestion," she told the court, stressing that the officials were performing routine regulatory oversight.
Laboratory Testing and Report Delivery
The witness told the court that samples of the company's sachet water were eventually collected and sent to a laboratory in Lagos for analysis. According to her testimony, the specimens were transported to Ogba, Lagos, where they underwent laboratory testing before the results were sent back to the company.
Egbo maintained that the director of Address Table Water refused to collect the laboratory report when it was presented to him. Responding to questions suggesting that the report had not been communicated to the defendant, she insisted that the report was indeed delivered but was rejected by the company's director.
Tense Moments and Adjournment
Proceedings briefly took a tense turn during cross-examination when the defense counsel continued to challenge the admissibility and credibility of the documents presented by the prosecution. Justice Agbaje cautioned the defense counsel against prolonging the proceedings unnecessarily and emphasized the need for efficient courtroom management.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until June 1, 2026, for continuation of the trial. This adjournment allows both parties to prepare for the next phase of proceedings while maintaining the judicial process's integrity.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by regulatory agencies to enforce quality standards in Nigeria's water production industry, particularly concerning sachet water, which remains a crucial source of drinking water for many Nigerians. The outcome of this trial could set important precedents for regulatory enforcement in the consumer goods sector.
