From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called for an immediate investigation and punishment of those involved in the alleged looting of shops at the Ogbogwu Market in Onitsha Bridgehead while NAFDAC agents raided the market in search of fake drugs.
Ejiofor’s call followed a saddening viral video showing a wailing female trader operating a clothes boutique shop inside the market, who alleged that her shop, which has nothing to do with medicine, was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ejiofor said the alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
He recalled that he had recently condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs, even as he reiterated that while the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardise the livelihoods of innocent traders.
“Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialised. In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken. This latest evidence—captured on video—clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
“I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act. NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.”
He noted that such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability.
“The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions,” the lawyer stated.