The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has petitioned multiple Nigerian authorities, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and key security agencies, urging the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market (Ogbogwu Market) and six adjoining markets that were shut down by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The group has raised concerns about the socio-security implications of the ongoing militarized closure of the markets, claiming that it negatively impacts the livelihoods of innocent traders, who represent over 95% of the market’s vendors. Intersociety’s petitions call for investigations into alleged illegal activities and corruption by the authorities involved in the market shutdown, including NAFDAC officials and security personnel from the Nigerian Army and Police.
In particular, Intersociety demands accountability for over 20 containers of seized drugs, both licit and illicit, which were confiscated from the markets. The group has expressed concerns over the unaccounted-for drugs and the lack of transparency in the handling of both seized drugs and cash left behind by traders. It also called for monitoring of bank accounts of NAFDAC officials involved in the operation to ensure accountability and prevent corruption.
The group also emphasized the importance of investigating the operational illegalities and corrupt practices, urging that the authorities involved in the shutdown be held accountable. It concluded by calling for a press conference where NAFDAC would provide a full account of the seized goods and address concerns from the victimized traders.
