Traders at Ogbo Ogwu Market Sue NAFDAC, NSCDC Over Alleged Rights Violation in Onitsha
Four traders from the Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have filed a lawsuit against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the NAFDAC Zonal Director for the South-East, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, and the Anambra State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The traders allege unlawful interference in their fundamental human rights.
The traders, Peter Okala, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, Prof. Samuel Anidike, and C.C. Emereonwu—who are also members of the United Nigeria Group—have sought relief in the Federal High Court sitting in Awka. Their counsel, Chibuike Nwabueze (Esq), argues that not all traders in the market are involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs as alleged by NAFDAC.
In suit No PHC/AWK/CS/40/2025, the applicants are asking the court for several reliefs, including an order that prevents the respondents, their agents, officers, and operatives from unlawfully entering their shops at Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in their absence, without a valid court order and search warrant. They also seek an injunction against the respondents confiscating their goods or taking them to an unknown destination without legal authorization.
Additionally, the traders are seeking N50 million in exemplary damages and another N50 million in general damages, citing the harm caused by the actions of NAFDAC and the NSCDC.
Prior to heading to court, the traders held a press conference to condemn NAFDAC’s “sudden invasion and sealing of the market without prior notice,” which they described as barbaric and a violation of their fundamental rights. The traders claim they have suffered a loss of over N200 million as the market has been sealed for more than 10 days, leaving them without income and in dire straits.
The traders also allege that NAFDAC, supported by military, police, and other security operatives, seized goods worth N500 billion during the raid, further compounding their financial losses and hardship.
