The Ondo State Government says it has commenced a review of the regulatory framework governing the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products 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 the deaths allegedly linked to the consumption of harmful herbal and alcoholic concoctions.
The development comes as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said preliminary laboratory findings had detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
NAFDAC said 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17, with five victims rendered totally blind and two others partially blind.
The agency also said 11 of 15 samples analysed tested positive for Cannabis indica, while further confirmatory testing was ongoing to determine the precise concentration of methanol and identify other possible toxic substances.
The affected communities are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga, while cases have also been reported in neighbouring Irele Local Government Area.
Responding to a call by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, for the prosecution of the 15 suspects arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the beverages, Ajulo said the state government had gone beyond prosecution by initiating a broader review of the regulatory framework.
He said, “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. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and establish, on the basis of evidence, both the immediate and remote causes of the deaths.”
According to the Attorney-General, the government’s response would not be limited to determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths but would also examine the wider regulatory environment governing locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
Ajulo said the review had, in fact, commenced before the latest incident following the submission of a proposed draft regulation to his office by stakeholders and concerned citizens.
The Commissioner warned that anyone found to have violated the law would face prosecution. He said where investigations established criminal responsibility, appropriate legal action would be taken in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
Ajulo also stressed that no individual would be shielded from investigation because of status, influence or connections, while assuring that every suspect would be accorded due process.
He said the government’s response was anchored on three principles: truth, accountability and prevention.
The Commissioner expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and wished those still receiving medical treatment a full recovery.
The Ondo State Government said it remained committed to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the incident were thoroughly investigated, with any further action guided by evidence and the law.
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