SON Gives Reason For Conviction Of Two Nigerian Businessmen

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has given reason for the conviction of two Nigerian businessmen, Uche Johnson and Kingsley Meteke,

The SON said the two men were convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos for the production, possession, dealing in and distribution of 128 drums and 9.45 litres of substandard engine oil.

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyibo sentenced them to two years imprisonment each after they pleaded guilty to the offence of adulterating 128 drums and 9.45 litres of engine oil.

According to the SON, the defendants indulged in production of engine oil which did not meet mandatory industrial standards, contrary to the claims of the accused.

According to the prosecution, the products failed to comply with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s (SON) Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP), thereby contravening the provisions of sections 1(8) and 1(8)(II) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004.

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The defendants who had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, later changed it to guilty, will begin the sentence from January 27, 2019 when they were arrested.

Prosecuting counsel Mr Joseph Olofindare said the judgment would serve as a deterrent to manufacturers and importers of substandard products.

He said: “I want to tell genuine manufacturers and consumers that they should not be despondent or complacent. SON is there to prosecute any offender.

“It’s a judgment that will send a message to the public that SON is working tirelessly under the leadership of Osita Aboloma.

“If you’re an importer or manufacturer, you either bring products that are certified under Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) otherwise the fate that befell these individuals will also befall those who are indulging in product adulteration.

“For our consumers, the Director General and management are working tirelessly to ensure that consumers get value for their money and that only standard and certified products are in the market.

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The SON has been active in senisitising Nigerian businessmen, on the dangers of patronising substandard production, and had to heed the for increased conviction to stem the tide.