Killer syrup: Jailed convicts appeal for hearing

The Court of Appeal, Lagos has fixed July 8 for hearing of an appeal filed by two employees of Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., who were convicted for the production of an adulterated teething powder, My Pikin.

Adeyemo Abiodun and Ebele Eromosele, who were on May 17, convicted by Justice Okechukwu Okeke (now retired) of a Federal High Court, Lagos, are already serving their seven-year jail terms.

The appellate court, presided by Justice Shagbaor Ikyegh, fixed the date to enable the respondent, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, to file its reply.

The convicts were found guilty on counts of conspiracy and sale of the adulterated syrup, which killed over 80 children in the country.

The lower court had also ordered that Barewa’s assets be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Counsel for the convicts, Mr. Osaro Eghobamien (SAN), on July 3, filed an amended notice of appeal, to replace an earlier one he filed immediately after judgment was delivered.

At the Friday’s proceedings, counsel for the respondent, Mr. James Kadiri, informed the court that he had just been served with the appellants’ brief of argument, and required time to respond.

The matter was subsequently adjourned till July 8.

Punch