Tears and Legal Threats: Onitsha Trader Demands Justice Over Alleged NAFDAC Looting

 

Onitsha, Anambra State –

A cloud of controversy has descended over the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, following a damning allegation leveled against officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). A local trader, Ms. Okoye Sophia Eberechukwu, through her legal counsel, has served a Pre-Action Notice to the agency, accusing its operatives of brazen misconduct and demanding both accountability and restitution.

The allegations, which have sent ripples through the commercial hub of Anambra State, center on a purported incident where NAFDAC officials reportedly looted Ms. Eberechukwu’s shop at the Ogbo-Ogwu section of the market, carting away goods worth millions of naira. The incident, according to the victim, occurred under the guise of a regulatory operation. However, no pharmaceutical products were said to be involved in the seizure, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the enforcement activity.

Represented by her lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi, Ms. Eberechukwu has taken a bold legal step to challenge what she describes as a gross abuse of power and an unjustified violation of her rights. The Pre-Action Notice, formally delivered to NAFDAC, signals the beginning of what could become a high-profile legal battle unless the agency takes prompt steps toward restitution and justice.

The statement released by Ms. Eberechukwu paints a disturbing picture of the events that transpired.

“On March 15, 2025, we brought to public attention the grave misconduct allegedly perpetrated by officials of NAFDAC, stationed at Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market,” the statement read. “These officials, rather than fulfilling their duty, reportedly looted the shop of Ms. Okoye Sophia Eberechukwu, stealing goods worth millions of naira — none of which were pharmaceutical products.”

In the legal notice, her lawyer emphasized the serious implications of the officials’ alleged actions, noting that such misconduct not only undermines public trust in regulatory agencies but also inflicts severe economic and emotional damage on law-abiding citizens.

“The arbitrary looting of a citizen’s business under the pretext of regulatory enforcement is an egregious abuse of power,” the statement continued. “It is a criminal act and a violation of fundamental rights. While regulatory agencies have a duty to enforce compliance, such actions must strictly adhere to due process, fairness, and the rule of law.”

The legal team is now demanding full compensation for the financial losses suffered by Ms. Eberechukwu, in addition to a public acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the agency. If NAFDAC fails to respond adequately, the trader is prepared to pursue the matter in court.

This unfolding situation has sparked outrage among traders and market leaders in Onitsha, many of whom are watching closely to see how the agency responds. For years, traders in markets across Nigeria have expressed concerns about overreach and highhandedness from enforcement agencies, but few have taken as visible a stand as Ms. Eberechukwu.

“We remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice for Ms. Eberechukwu,” the lawyer declared. “Those responsible for this unlawful and reprehensible act must face the full weight of the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”

As the legal process gears up, observers are calling on both the federal and Anambra State governments to step in and ensure a fair resolution. The matter, they argue, transcends one trader’s plight—it highlights the urgent need for regulatory reform and better oversight of government agencies’ field operations.

Whether this case leads to concrete action against the accused officials remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ms. Eberechukwu’s resolve has ignited a conversation about justice, accountability, and the true meaning of public service.