Four traders at Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have taken legal action against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other officials over alleged violations of their fundamental human rights.
The traders—Peter Okala, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, Prof. Samuel Anidike, and C.C. Emereonwu—filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging what they described as unlawful interference in their businesses. Represented by their counsel, Chibuike Nwabueze (Esq), they are seeking multiple reliefs, including an injunction restraining the defendants from further raids and shop closures without a valid court order.
The suit (No. PHC/AWK/CS/40/2025) also demands N50 million in exemplary damages and another N50 million in general damages, citing financial losses and hardship caused by the market shutdown.
The traders, who are members of the United Nigeria Group, claimed that NAFDAC’s recent operations at the market—allegedly carried out with security operatives—resulted in the confiscation of goods worth N500 billion and losses exceeding N200 million. They described the market closure as abrupt and unjust, leaving many traders jobless and struggling to survive.
Before heading to court, the group had condemned NAFDAC’s actions at a press conference, calling the enforcement “barbaric” and a violation of their rights.
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