In Onitsha, Anambra State, four traders from Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market have taken legal action against various authorities for violating their fundamental human rights. The traders, represented by their lawyer, are contesting claims made by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and Standards Organisation of Nigeria that all traders in the market are selling counterfeit drugs.
The traders are seeking court orders to prevent the defendants from unlawfully entering their shops without proper authorization, seizing their goods, and taking them away without a valid court order. They are also requesting damages totaling N100 million for the actions taken against them.
Prior to filing the lawsuit, the traders held a press conference to address the unexpected closure of the market by NAFDAC, condemning the move as oppressive and a violation of their rights. They stated that the prolonged closure has resulted in significant financial losses for the traders, leaving them without income and facing hardship.
The traders alleged that goods worth billions were confiscated by NAFDAC during the operation, which involved a large presence of security personnel sealing off the market.