Legal expert Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC), has demanded an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alarming allegations of looting involving National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officials in Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a viral video, a distraught female trader accused NAFDAC personnel of looting her shop during a crackdown on counterfeit drugs. Sir Ifeanyi strongly condemned these actions and called upon security agencies to hold the implicated officials accountable.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability,” emphasized Sir Ifeanyi. “The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law.”
He further urged NAFDAC to provide adequate reparations for the affected traders and take swift action against any personnel found responsible for these alleged crimes. Failure to address this situation promptly, warned Sir Ifeanyi, would only deepen public distrust in Nigeria’s institutions and foster a culture of impunity.
See the full statement below:
ONITSHA SHOPS LOOT – CALL FOR IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION AND JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS:
I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
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.
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.
Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
March 15, 2025
