Onitsha market closure: Group petitions Soludo, NASS, NAFDAC

A human rights organization, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has petitioned Governor Charles Soludo, the National Assembly, NAFDAC, security agencies, and other relevant authorities, demanding the immediate reopening of the Ogbogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, which was shut down weeks ago by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The group expressed concern over the prolonged closure, questioning why it has taken NAFDAC so long to conclude its investigations into alleged sales of fake and illegal drugs in the market. While supporting a thorough and conclusive probe, Intersociety noted that traders are frustrated by the prolonged investigation and market closure, which has affected their livelihoods.

NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

In the petition, signed by Intersociety Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, the group called for an investigation into allegations of corruption and illegal activities by enforcement operatives deployed to the market.

Addressed to Governor Soludo, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly Somtoo Udeze, Minister of Health, NAFDAC Director-General, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser (NSA), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Police Service Commission Chairman, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Chief of Army Staff, Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Health and NAFDAC, among others, the petition urged these authorities to intervene and protect innocent traders affected by the blanket market closure.

Umeagbalasi stressed that more than 95% of traders in the affected markets are innocent, yet they continue to suffer due to the indefinite shutdown.

Dated February 24, 2025, the petition outlined 16 alleged cases of operational illegalities and corrupt practices by security operatives and called for a transparent investigation.

The group demanded a coordinated effort to ensure the immediate reopening of Ogbogwu Market and six adjoining markets to restore the livelihoods of affected traders and their dependents.

Umeagbalasi also warned stakeholders against implementing policies that could breed crime in the future.

“They (NAFDAC, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Police Service Commission, NSA, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Interior) must thoroughly and conclusively investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct by enforcement officers,” the petition stated.

Intersociety called on NAFDAC to provide a full and proper account of its activities in the market to eliminate suspicions surrounding its operations.

Furthermore, the group urged NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, South-East Director Dr. Martins Iluyomade, and field officials to carefully review all seized drugs—particularly those manufactured by local pharmaceutical companies and globally recognized brands—and ensure their prompt return to their rightful owners.

“No room must be left for any suspicion. Seized and confiscated drugs, especially those erroneously taken, must be returned without delay,” the group emphasized.