Iyaniwura Urges Senate to Impose Life Sentence on Counterfeiters

Former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adebisi L. Iyaniwura, has called on the Senate to take urgent legislative action against the production and distribution of counterfeit goods, proposing tougher prison terms, heavy fines and asset forfeiture to protect Nigerians from the dangers of fake and substandard products.

Iyaniwura made the appeal in a formal petition addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, with copies routed through the chairmen of the Senate Committees on Industry, Trade and Investment and Health.

The petition, received at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on October 21, 2026, urged lawmakers to review existing legislation and introduce stricter measures against individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of counterfeit and adulterated products.

The legal practitioner argued that counterfeiting had become a serious concern that required more than routine enforcement, warning that the circulation of unsafe food products, fake medicines and substandard automobile spare parts could have devastating consequences for consumers and the wider society.

He expressed concern that some business operators were prioritising financial gain over human safety, leaving consumers exposed to products that may not meet required standards of quality, authenticity and safety.

In the petition, Iyaniwura described the practice as a “satanic act”, accusing unscrupulous business operators of putting Nigerians’ lives at risk in their pursuit of profit.

“Nigerians are daily being killed by the satanic acts of unscrupulous business people in their desperation to make profits at the cost of Nigerians’ blood,” he wrote.

He maintained that the problem should be treated as a matter of public safety and national security because the effects of counterfeit products extend beyond financial losses. According to his argument, the circulation of dangerous goods could contribute to preventable illnesses, undermine consumer confidence and expose road users to avoidable risks.

Iyaniwura specifically highlighted food products, pharmaceuticals and automobile components as areas requiring stronger regulatory attention. He warned that fake or adulterated food and medicines could expose consumers to harmful substances or products that fail to meet expected safety standards, while substandard vehicle parts could compromise the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users.

To address these concerns, the former NBA secretary proposed a comprehensive review of existing laws, with particular emphasis on penalties that would serve as a stronger deterrent to offenders.

One of his principal demands is an amendment to existing legislation to prescribe a minimum fine of N20 million and a mandatory 10-year prison sentence for counterfeit-related offences. He also proposed life imprisonment for aggravated cases, arguing that the severity of punishment should reflect the seriousness of the offence and its potential consequences.

The proposal seeks to raise the legal and financial consequences for individuals and businesses involved in counterfeiting. Iyaniwura’s position is that offenders should face penalties substantial enough to discourage the practice and demonstrate that the production and distribution of dangerous goods will attract serious legal consequences.

He also urged the Senate to consider mandatory forfeiture of premises, properties and other assets linked to counterfeiting operations.

Under the proposal, assets associated with the illegal trade would be subject to forfeiture in line with applicable proceeds-of-crime legislation. Iyaniwura’s argument is that enforcement should address not only the individuals involved but also the financial resources and properties used to sustain or benefit from counterfeiting activities.

Another major recommendation is the introduction of provisions requiring courts to conclude counterfeit-related cases within 90 days.

Iyaniwura called for a legal framework that would promote faster prosecution and determination of cases involving counterfeit and unwholesome products. He believes that prolonged proceedings can undermine the effectiveness of enforcement and delay accountability in cases that may have direct implications for public safety.

The proposed timeline would, however, require appropriate judicial procedures and safeguards to ensure that cases are handled efficiently without compromising the right of defendants to a fair hearing.

The petition also advocates the introduction of mandatory QR-code traceability for consumable products throughout Nigeria, beginning with pharmaceutical products.

Iyaniwura proposed the use of QR codes to improve product identification and enable consumers and regulatory authorities to verify relevant product information. The proposed system is intended to strengthen monitoring across supply chains, help identify suspicious goods and support investigations into the distribution of counterfeit products.

The recommendation reflects the petitioner’s call for technology to complement existing regulatory and enforcement measures. A properly implemented traceability system could provide additional tools for tracking products from manufacturers and importers through distributors and retailers to the final consumer.

For Iyaniwura, the proposals should form part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s response to counterfeiting through tougher legislation, effective enforcement, improved court processes and better monitoring of goods entering the marketplace.

His appeal to the Senate committees on Industry, Trade and Investment and Health places the matter before lawmakers whose areas of responsibility cover commercial activity and public health concerns. The petition also calls for the attention of the Attorney General of the Federation, who has a central role in federal legal affairs.

The demands come against the background of concerns about the difficulty consumers may face in distinguishing genuine products from imitations, particularly where counterfeiters use packaging and labelling designed to resemble those of legitimate manufacturers.

Beyond the potential risks to consumers, the circulation of fake goods can also undermine legitimate businesses that invest in meeting regulatory requirements, maintaining quality standards and complying with applicable laws.

Iyaniwura is therefore seeking a response that goes beyond the seizure of counterfeit products, urging lawmakers to consider measures that would increase the consequences for offenders, disrupt the financial benefits of the trade and improve the ability of regulators to track products.

His four principal proposals are a minimum fine of N20 million alongside a 10-year prison sentence, life imprisonment for aggravated offences, forfeiture of assets connected to counterfeiting, a 90-day target for the conclusion of cases and mandatory QR-code traceability for consumable products, beginning with pharmaceuticals.

The petition was received at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on October 21, 2026. No official response from the Senate committees or the Attorney General of the Federation was provided in the information available.

The submission now calls attention to the legislative questions surrounding the punishment of counterfeiters, the speed of prosecution and the use of technology to protect consumers. Whether the proposed measures will be adopted will depend on consideration by the relevant authorities.

Iyaniwura’s central demand is for lawmakers to treat counterfeiting as a serious threat to the lives and welfare of Nigerians and to strengthen the laws and enforcement systems intended to prevent the circulation of dangerous products.