Nnewi Market Tension Boils Over as Traders Protest Alleged ₦1.6 Billion Extortion by Nnewi North Officials [VIDEO]

 

Shops remained under lock and key at Agboedo United Market, F Line, Nnewi, as traders stormed the streets in a coordinated protest against what they described as blatant extortion and intimidation by officials of the Nnewi North Local Government Area. The demonstration, which disrupted commercial activities across the busy market, brought widespread attention to grievances that have been simmering for months.

The protesting traders, many of whom have operated in the market for over three decades, carried placards with powerful messages like “We are under peaceful protest, we are no longer happy,” “Stop Extortion Now,” “We Want Justice,” and “Explain the Meaning of Revalidation.” Their outcry follows demands for exorbitant and allegedly unlawful levies by the local council leadership, led by Hon. Echezona Anazodo.

According to multiple eyewitnesses and affected traders, the protest was sparked by what they called “deliberate economic strangulation” orchestrated by local government authorities. Traders revealed that aside from the officially sanctioned government levies, they are being compelled to pay ₦20,000 each under the guise of “shop revalidation.” This fee alone is expected from over 2,200 shops, summing up to an astonishing ₦44 million—without any official receipt being issued.

Even more damning are claims that traders in the rice section of the market are being pressured to pay between ₦4.5 million and ₦5 million as a penalty for late compliance. When multiplied across 360 shops in that section alone, the amount reaches a staggering ₦1.62 billion. Eyebrows have been raised over a specific Access Bank account—number 1910999891 under the name BOLTEV NIG LTD—into which traders are reportedly being asked to pay.

Mrs. Agustina Azubuike, one of the protesting traders, condemned the treatment meted out to elderly market women who rely on their shops for survival. “Most of us are retired and depend on these shops to buy our medications and stay alive,” she said. “Why would they suddenly ask us to pay ₦4.5 million or face eviction? It’s cruelty.”

She further questioned the moral compass of the local government, stating that many traders had invested in developing the market over decades, only to now be treated like trespassers. “We built this place from scratch. Now they want to push us into the streets,” she lamented, while calling on Governor Charles Soludo to intervene before lives are lost to depression and economic hardship.

Other traders, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, queried the legality of the revalidation exercise and the authenticity of the collection process. “Who owns BOLTEV NIG LTD, and why are we being directed to pay huge sums into this private account? Under what law or government directive is this happening?” they asked.

The protest, which initially began at the market, eventually made its way to the local government secretariat. Reports suggest that some traders were coerced into endorsing the same mayor they were protesting against—actions caught on video, which allegedly contradict their earlier vocal opposition.

Community observers worry that this episode could snowball into larger political consequences if not swiftly addressed. Traders have issued a subtle warning that continued harassment might result in mass resistance during the upcoming elections, potentially jeopardizing political goodwill in the area.

Amid growing tension, the traders acknowledged Governor Soludo’s efforts to transform Anambra State but urged him to scrutinize his local government representatives closely. They stressed that the focus should be on addressing critical issues like the erosion threatening the market and the dilapidated internal roads, rather than levying unjustifiable fees.

As of the time of reporting, no official response has been made by Hon. Echezona Anazodo or the Nnewi North Local Government. However, the traders remain firm in their resolve, insisting they will not back down until their voices are heard and justice is served.