A coalition of traders from the Ogbo Ogwu Bridgehead market in Onitsha, Anambra State, operating under the Unite Nigeria Group (UNG), has initiated legal action against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and three other entities. The traders have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, accusing the agencies of forcefully entering their shops, seizing goods worth billions of naira without a valid court order or search warrant.
Legal Action Against Authorities Over Onitsha Drug Market Raid
The lawsuit names Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the Southeast Zonal Director of NAFDAC, the Director-General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Anambra State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as respondents.
Representing themselves and fellow members of UNG, the applicants—Comrade Peter Okala, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Prof. Samuel Anidike, and Comrade C.C. Enwereonwu—are seeking N1 billion in exemplary and general damages for the economic losses suffered due to the alleged unlawful actions at the Ogbo Ogwu market, located at Niger Bridgehead, Onitsha.
Traders Demand Compensation and Return of Seized Goods
Filed under Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/40/2025, the traders’ motion is based on the enforcement of their fundamental rights, citing Sections 34, 35, 41, 43, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). Additionally, they reference Order 2, Rules 1, 2, and 3 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 and the Federal High Court’s Inherent Jurisdiction.
Aside from financial compensation, the traders seek a judicial declaration that the confiscation of goods worth an estimated N500 billion without due legal process violates their constitutional rights. They are also requesting the court to compel the respondents to return all seized goods, including pharmaceutical products, and to issue a restraining order preventing further raids without legal authorization.
Market Disruptions and Economic Implications
The continuous closure of the Onitsha drug market has disrupted commerce and left many traders facing financial instability. Industry analysts believe that such enforcement actions, if carried out without due process, could have long-term economic consequences on the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria (source). Premium Times
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