REIGN OF IMPUNITY: LOOTING, INJUSTICE, AND THE FIGHT FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AT OGBO-OGWU MARKET
By Daniel Okonkwo
Justice is the bedrock of any civilized society. It ensures fairness, upholds the rule of law, and guarantees that wrongs are righted. A just society does not only enforce laws but ensures that those who enforce them do so with integrity, transparency, and fairness. However, the recent events at Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Onitsha, raise serious concerns about justice, accountability, and regulatory abuse.
NAFDAC was accused of looting non-pharmaceutical products. In a shocking revelation, renowned human rights lawyer Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor has accused officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of looting non-pharmaceutical products at Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Onitsha, Anambra State. Through his official Facebook page, Barrister Ejiofor exposed this alleged misconduct, shedding light on a disturbing misuse of regulatory authority.
A pre-action notice was served and NAFDAC must be held accountable. On March 15, 2025, the public was informed of the misconduct allegedly committed by NAFDAC officials assigned to Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market, Onitsha. Instead of executing their regulatory duties with diligence and adherence to the law, these officials reportedly ransacked the shop of Ms. Okoye Sophia Eberechukwu, seizing goods worth millions of naira—none of which were pharmaceutical products.
Following this grave injustice, a Pre-Action Notice has been formally served on NAFDAC, demanding full accountability and adequate compensation for the devastating losses inflicted on this law-abiding businesswoman. Regulatory enforcement must never be a guise for exploitation and criminal acts.
The arbitrary looting of a trader’s business under the pretense of regulatory enforcement is not only an abuse of power but a criminal offense. No government agency should be permitted to wield its authority in a manner that oppresses hardworking citizens. The essence of regulatory bodies is to protect the public interest—not to inflict undue hardship or engage in activities that betray public trust.
While enforcement of regulatory standards is crucial, it must be executed with due process, fairness, and strict adherence to the rule of law. Any deviation from this constitutes an infringement on fundamental human rights and cannot be tolerated in a just society.
We call on NAFDAC to immediately identify the officials involved in this unlawful act and bring them to justice. Those responsible for this reprehensible act must face the full weight of the law. Furthermore, the affected trader, Ms. Eberechukwu, and any other victims must be fully compensated for their losses without further delay.
The Federal Government and the Anambra State Government must collaborate to launch a detailed investigation into this egregious misconduct at Ogbo-Ogwu Market. There must be transparency in the findings, and measures must be put in place to prevent any recurrence of such abuses.
The businesspeople of Ogbo-Ogwu Market, who contribute significantly to the economy, deserve protection from arbitrary actions that threaten their livelihoods. The government must ensure that traders are indemnified against such regulatory excesses.
Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The business community and the general public must regain confidence in the institutions meant to protect them, and NAFDAC must demonstrate that it upholds the principles of fairness, justice, and accountability.
This case is a test of our collective commitment to justice. NAFDAC must act swiftly to address these allegations, hold the culprits accountable, and ensure that the affected victims are compensated. Anything short of this would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in regulatory institutions.
The fight for justice at Ogbo-Ogwu Market is not just about one trader—it is about ensuring that no Nigerian is subjected to unlawful victimization by those entrusted with regulatory power. The time for justice is now.
Profiles International Human Rights Advocate.
REIGN OF IMPUNITY: LOOTING, INJUSTICE, AND THE FIGHT FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AT OGBO-OGWU MARKET
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