Five arraigned for dealing in adulterated rice in akwa ibom

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Five Arraigned for Dealing in Adulterated Rice in Akwa Ibom

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State - Five individuals have been arraigned before a magistrate court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly dealing in adulterated rice.

The accused persons, who were arraigned on Wednesday, were charged with conspiracy and selling of adulterated rice, contrary to Section 337 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. 1, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000.

The prosecutor, Inspector Samuel Akpan, told the court that the accused persons were arrested on June 15, 2022, at a market in Uyo, where they were found selling rice that was not fit for human consumption.

According to the prosecutor, the rice was found to contain high levels of contaminants, including stones, sand, and other foreign substances.

The accused persons, who are all from different parts of the state, were identified as Okon Etim, 35, from Ikot Ekpene; Nsikan Udoh, 32, from Uyo; Iniobong Udoh, 28, from Eket; Emmanuel Udoh, 30, from Abak; and Samuel Udoh, 25, from Ikot Abasi.

The prosecutor told the court that the accused persons had been selling the adulterated rice to unsuspecting customers, including children and the elderly, who were at risk of falling ill or even dying from consuming the contaminated food.

The magistrate, Mrs. Nkereuwem Okon, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

The case has been adjourned to July 15, 2022, for further hearing.

The state government has been working to ensure that only high-quality rice is sold in the state, and has set up a task force to monitor the sale of rice and other food items.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, has warned that anyone found selling adulterated rice or other food items will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The public has been advised to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of adulterated rice or other food items to the authorities.