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Trader sues NAFDAC over Onitsha shop invasion

Published

6 months ago

June 7, 2025

NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

Trader sues NAFDAC over Onitsha shop invasion

Sophie Okoye, a female clothing dealer at Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has filed a legal suit against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC and its Director-General at the Federal High Court, Awka.

Okoye said that despite the fact that her store only sells clothing, watches, and fashion accessories and has no relation to the pharmaceutical industry, it was targeted in a broad enforcement action purportedly carried out by a combined task force acting under NAFDAC jurisdiction.

The aggrieved trader filed the lawsuit after the statutory term specified in the pre-action notice placed on NAFDAC had expired.

According to court documents obtained by our reporter on Friday, the case is between Sophie Eberechukwu Okoye as plaintiff and NAFDAC and its DG as defendants in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/162/25, which was filed at the Federal High Court in Awka.

The offended merchant is suing the regulatory body for unlawfully entering into her shop and/or carting away her goods worth more than N15 million, claiming that her commodities have nothing to do with medications, food, or chemicals.

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Among other declarations by the plaintiff are: “That the defendants have no power in the administration, management, and control of food and drugs to oppressively, unlawfully and unconstitutionally break into the shop of the plaintiff and loot/cart away the plaintiff’s items that are not affiliated whatsoever with drugs, food or chemicals.

“That the defendant’s unlawful seizure and/or carting away of the plaintiff’s goods as listed with their value and quantity is not only oppressive and unreasonable but also unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional.

“An order of the honourable court directing the defendants to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N15,746.00, being the monetary value of the items carted away from the plaintiff’s shop by the defendants.”

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for the plaintiff, stated that the suit was filed after the statutory period outlined in the pre-action notice served on NAFDAC expired.

Ejiofor stated that legal action against the regulatory agency would be initiated immediately after the notice period expired.

He said, “In every just and democratic society, the rule of law is sacrosanct.

“No agency, regardless of its mandate, has the right to operate beyond the legal boundaries that define its existence.

“The recent developments at Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, are a shameful testament to the dangers of institutional overreach and the betrayal of fundamental legal principles.

“The now widely circulated footage of Sophie Okoye, a young trader reduced to tears after her shop was unlawfully broken into and looted, has shocked the conscience of the nation.

“Her store, which deals exclusively in clothing, watches, and fashion accessories, has no connection whatsoever to the pharmaceutical trade.

“Nevertheless, it was targeted in a sweeping operation allegedly executed by a joint task force acting under NAFDAC’s authority.”

He did, however, urge both the Federal Government and the Government of Anambra State to promptly establish an impartial investigation team to examine the entire operation, identify all those culpable, and ensure they are brought to justice.

“While we unequivocally support NAFDAC’s statutory mandate to rid markets of counterfeit and substandard drugs, no mission, however noble, can justify the trampling of innocent citizens’ rights or the destruction of lawful businesses.”

Ejiofor mentioned that justice must never become collateral damage.

He pledged that neither he nor his client would be silenced or back down.

“Justice must be done and must be seen to be done,” Ejiofor added.

Trader sues NAFDAC over Onitsha shop invasion

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.