Four traders from Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have filed a lawsuit against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in a Federal High Court in Awka, asserting violations of their fundamental human rights.
The traders, identified as Peter Okala, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, Prof. Samuel Anidike, and C.C. Emereonwu—members of the United Nigeria Group—are seeking court intervention after alleging that not all traders in the market are involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs, as claimed by the agency.
In their legal action, under suit No PHC/AWK/CS/40/2025, the traders request the court to prohibit the respondents and their agents from unlawfully invading their shops without a valid court order. They are also asking for the return of confiscated goods that have allegedly been removed without proper procedures.
The traders are pursuing a perpetual injunction to prevent further unauthorized actions by the agency, emphasizing the need for legal procedures to be followed before any search or seizure. Additionally, they are demanding N50 million in exemplary damages and another N50 million in general damages due to the impact of the agency’s activities.
Prior to their court submission, the traders held a press conference criticizing the “sudden invasion and sealing” of the market by NAFDAC, labeling it a barbaric act that infringes on citizens’ rights. They assert that the market’s closure for over ten days has resulted in losses exceeding N200 million, leaving many traders struggling to provide for their families.
Furthermore, they report that N500 billion worth of goods were taken during the operation, which involved military, police, and security personnel. The traders contend that this aggressive enforcement has not only affected their livelihoods but has also raised significant concerns about the overreach of regulatory authorities.
