Maduako Igbokwe I Friday, April 04, 2025
ONITSHA, Anambra -;A trader at Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, has issued a Pre-Action Notice to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), demanding full accountability and fair compensation for the significant losses suffered by law-abiding trader, Ms. Okoye Sophia Eberechukwu.
The notice, issued by Ms. Eberechukwu’s lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi, calls for an investigation into the alleged looting of her goods, valued at millions of naira, by NAFDAC officials stationed at the market.
It stated that instead of carrying out their regulatory duties, these officials were looting the trader’s goods.
In a statement, Ms. Eberechukwu said that she had previously called for a thorough investigation and accountability regarding the actions of NAFDAC officials at the market.
The statement reads:
“On March 15, 2025, we brought to public attention the grave misconduct allegedly perpetrated by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), stationed at Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market. 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 response to this blatant act of impunity, and following our earlier demand for a thorough investigation and accountability, we have now escalated the matter legally. A Pre-Action Notice has been formally served on NAFDAC, accompanied by our demand for full accountability and fair compensation for the immense losses suffered by this law-abiding trader.
The arbitrary looting of a citizen’s business under the pretext of regulatory enforcement is an egregious abuse of power, 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. No government agency should be permitted to weaponize enforcement to inflict unwarranted hardship on innocent individuals.
We remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice for Ms. Eberechukwu. 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.”
