The Ondo State Government has begun reviewing the regulatory framework for the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally made herbal and alcoholic drinks following the deaths of 48 people in parts of the state.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this in Akure on Sunday while responding to concerns over deaths allegedly associated with the consumption of harmful herbal and alcoholic concoctions.
The development follows preliminary findings by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
NAFDAC said 182 cases had been recorded as of 17 September, including five people who reportedly became totally blind and two others who suffered partial loss of sight.
The agency said 11 of the 15 samples analysed also tested positive for Cannabis indica, while confirmatory tests were continuing to establish the precise concentration of methanol and determine whether other toxic substances were present.
Most of the reported cases have been recorded in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga. Cases have also been reported in neighbouring Irele Local Government Area.
Ajulo’s comments followed a call by human rights lawyer Femi Falana for the prosecution of 15 suspects arrested over the alleged production, sale and distribution of the beverages.
The Attorney-General said the state government was taking steps beyond prosecuting suspects and had commenced a broader review of the rules governing locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
He said the government had formally requested the establishment of a Coroner’s Court to investigate the deaths and determine what led to the tragedy.
“Immediately the matter came to the attention of Government, I formally wrote to the Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State requesting the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to inquire into the deaths,” Ajulo said.
He added that the inquest would examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish, based on evidence, their immediate and underlying causes.
According to the Commissioner, the state’s response would not be restricted to determining what happened in the recent incident but would also examine the wider regulatory system governing the production and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
Ajulo said work on the regulatory review had begun even before the latest deaths, following the submission of a proposed draft regulation to his office by stakeholders and concerned citizens.
The Attorney-General warned that anyone found to have breached relevant laws would face prosecution.
He said where investigations established criminal responsibility, the government would take appropriate legal action in line with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
Ajulo also said no person would be protected from investigation because of their position, influence or connections, while stressing that all suspects would be entitled to due process.
He said the government’s response was based on three principles: truth, accountability and prevention.
The Commissioner expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished those undergoing treatment a full recovery.
The state government said it remained committed to a thorough investigation of the incident, adding that any further action would be based on evidence and the law.
