The lawyer representing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged looting of a female trader’s shop by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Onitsha’s Ogbo Ogwu drug market in Anambra State.
A video circulating on social media showed the distraught woman accusing NAFDAC officials of looting her store during a recent enforcement operation against fake drugs at the Ogbo Ogwu market.
The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage, depicts the trader in a state of despair as she claims her shop was ransacked under the pretense of regulatory enforcement by the NAFDAC officials.
VIDEO: Trader In Onitsha Market Breaks Down In Tears Over Looting Of Shop By Alleged NAFDAC Officials During Raid pic.twitter.com/KyWize9ELM
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 15, 2025
Ejiofor, in a statement issued on Saturday in reaction to the woman’s plea, decried the alleged actions of the NAFDAC officials, calling it a “grave injustice” that demands swift action from relevant authorities.
“This alarming footage exposes a serious abuse of power. While the fight against counterfeit drugs is crucial, it must not be carried out in a manner that jeopardizes the livelihoods of innocent traders,” he said.
The lawyer emphasised that such misconduct, if proven true, represents a betrayal of public trust and a serious violation of ethical enforcement standards.
“Unfortunately, our worst fears have materialised. The indiscriminate closure of shops, which I previously condemned, has now escalated into outright looting. This cannot be tolerated in a just society,” Ejiofor added.
Reports indicated that the affected trader is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock due to the traumatic incident.
Expressing deep concerns for her well-being, Ejiofor stated, “This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and mental health. Such actions have severe consequences beyond financial loss.”
Ejiofor urged security agencies to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation, ensuring that those responsible for the alleged looting are identified and held accountable.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess this situation and provide appropriate reparations to the victim. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.
He further called for immediate disciplinary and legal measures against any officials found culpable, warning that failure to act decisively would foster a culture of impunity.
“The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected. If those entrusted with enforcing the law engage in lawlessness, public confidence in our institutions will continue to erode,” Ejiofor warned.
Public reaction to the incident has been swift, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the alleged misconduct.
Calls for institutional reforms within NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies have intensified, as concerns grow over the accountability of enforcement officials.
As of the time of this report, NAFDAC has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations.
However, pressure is mounting for the agency to address the situation transparently and take corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
