Crime
Looting: Onitsha Trader Drags NAFDAC To Court, Demands ₦110m Compensation
A female trader at the popular Ogbo Ogwu (Bridgehead Drug Market) in Onitsha, Anambra State, has taken legal action against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), accusing the agency of unlawfully looting her clothing store during a recent drug market raid.
The trader, Ms. Sophia Eberechukwu Okoye, filed a ₦110 million lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka under suit number FHC/AWK/CS/162/2025.
Through her lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Okoye is seeking ₦100 million in damages and an additional ₦10 million to cover litigation costs.
She is also demanding the return of her seized goods — including boxers, singlets, shirts, jeans, shorts, joggers, and more — valued at approximately ₦15.76 million, or the equivalent amount in cash.
READ MORE: Controversy As NAFDAC Accuses VDM Of Inciting Drug Traders In Onitsha
According to the suit, the alleged incident occurred during a recent NAFDAC-led operation aimed at clearing fake, expired, and substandard drugs from the Onitsha market.
Ms. Okoye claims her shop, which deals exclusively in fashion items and has no ties to pharmaceuticals, was wrongfully targeted by security personnel and NAFDAC officials.
The suit followed the expiration of a one-month notice earlier served on NAFDAC in March 2025, notifying the agency of her intent to sue.
Speaking on the matter in a press release, her legal representative, Ejiofor — who is also known for representing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) — condemned the agency’s conduct and promised to pursue justice.
“No agency, regardless of its mission – has the right to operate outside the legal boundaries that define its existence. The recent events at Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha are a shameful testament to what happens when institutions betray this fundamental principle,” Ejiofor stated.
He added that the incident, which has now gone viral, reveals the magnitude of injustice the trader suffered.
“The now-viral footage of Ms. Sophie Eberechukwu Okoye – a young trader devastated after her shop was unlawfully broken into and looted – has shocked the conscience of the nation.
“Her store, which sells clothes, watches, and fashion accessories, had no connection whatsoever to pharmaceuticals, yet it was targeted in a wave of looting allegedly carried out by a joint task force deployed under NAFDAC’s authority.”
He described the operation not as an act of law enforcement, but as outright criminality:
“What took place was not enforcement – it was lawlessness. This was not regulation – it was organised pillage. Armed with a mandate to protect, these operatives instead unleashed terror on innocent citizens, looting and decimating livelihoods without just cause.”
Ejiofor further revealed that with the legal notice period now over, they have officially commenced legal proceedings and vowed not to back down.
“This is unacceptable. However, upon the expiration of the statutory period for the pre-action notice served on NAFDAC, we have formally commenced a legal action against NAFDAC at the Federal High Court, Awka, demanding full accountability and redress for Ms. Sophie, a victim of this gross abuse of power.”
He went on to argue that the case represents a broader pattern of misconduct.
“But this is bigger than one victim or one case. What occurred at Ogbo-Ogwu appears to be part of a systemic pattern of misconduct, looting, and impunity.
“We are calling on both the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government to immediately set up an independent investigative panel to audit the entire operation, identify all culprits, and ensure they face justice.”
While expressing support for NAFDAC’s role in combating fake drugs, the lawyer stressed that such efforts must not infringe on the rights of innocent citizens.
“We support NAFDAC’s mandate to rid our markets of fake drugs – but no mission, however noble, justifies trampling upon the rights and dignity of innocent Nigerians.
“Justice cannot and must not be collateral damage. A government that punishes the innocent while claiming to protect the public has failed its people. Every agency must be reminded: they serve under the law, not above it.”
Concluding his remarks, Ejiofor emphasized the importance of accountability:
“Today it’s Sophie. Tomorrow, it could be you. That’s why we must demand accountability, uphold the rule of law, and resist tyranny in all forms. We will not be silenced. We will not back down. Justice must be done – and seen to be done.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
$200/barrel Price Likely as Iran Threatens Oil Ships
2026 Poll: Osun Ndigbo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid
NGX Group, IFC, CSCS and WIMBIZ Convene Leaders to Advance Gender Equality at 2026 Ring the Bell Ceremony
Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term
NNPC Secures Tinubu’s Approval for $20bn FID on Bonga Deepwater Project
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Things To Know About Threads, Zuckerberg’s Twitter-like App
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Hello there, simply was alert to your blog via Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful for those who continue this in future. A lot of people can be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
That is very fascinating, You are a very professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Its great as your other posts : D, appreciate it for putting up.
I simply could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual information an individual provide on your visitors? Is going to be back regularly to check up on new posts
It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I truly prize your work, Great post.
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Some genuinely interesting info , well written and broadly speaking user genial.
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
I’ll immediately grab your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me recognize in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
852144 842805In the event you are interested in imagine a alter in distinct llife, starting up usually the Los angeles Surgical procedures fat reduction method is a large movement to be able to accomplishing which typically idea. shed belly fat 627404
504831 224690I got what you mean ,bookmarked , quite good internet website . 430451
This is really interesting, You’re an overly professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in search of extra of your fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is awesome, great written and include almost all significant infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .
367991 341550You made some decent points there. I looked online for that difficulty and identified a lot of people goes coupled with with all your website. 111644
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
You have brought up a very wonderful points, thanks for the post.
I?¦ve learn several good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you place to create the sort of magnificent informative web site.
That is very interesting, You are an excessively skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in the hunt for extra of your fantastic post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!