Okpebholo Sends Warning to Sachet Gin Sellers in Edo – See Details

The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee has warned traders dealing in banned sachet gin against fraudsters allegedly moving around the state and collecting money from sellers while pretending to be government officials.

The warning followed reports received by the committee about individuals presenting themselves as officials authorised to enforce the ban and demanding payments from sachet gin sellers.

In a public alert signed by the committee’s chairman, Iyamu Osaro Culture, and its coordinators for Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central, the committee said the reported activities were an attempt to exploit the transition period following the extension granted to affected beverage dealers.

The committee said the extension runs until September 20, 2026, to allow affected dealers to adjust to the ban.

It stressed that enforcement of the ban has not commenced and warned traders not to give money to anyone claiming to be carrying out enforcement activities during the extension period.

The committee urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report anyone posing as its official while demanding money from sachet gin sellers.

It also called on the appropriate authorities to apprehend and investigate suspected impostors seeking to use the transition period to extort traders.

The warning comes as the state continues the process of implementing restrictions on sachet gin and giving affected dealers time to adjust to the new regulation.