A female trader at the popular Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has dragged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and its Director-General to the Federal High Court in Awka, seeking ₦15 million in damages over an alleged unlawful raid on her clothing shop.
The trader, Sophie Eberechukwu Okoye, stated in her suit (Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/162/25) that her fashion business, which deals strictly in clothing, wristwatches, and accessories, was wrongly targeted by a joint task force allegedly operating under NAFDAC’s orders, despite having no connection with the pharmaceutical or food trade.
NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM
According to court documents filed by her lawyer, Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the plaintiff, is accusing the regulatory agency of unlawfully breaking into her shop and carting away goods valued at over ₦15 million, describing the operation as a clear abuse of power and a violation of her fundamental rights.
“The defendants have no authority to invade a fashion store under the guise of drug enforcement. This action is not only unlawful but also oppressive and unconstitutional,” the suit reads.
The suit seeks multiple reliefs, including:
- A declaration that the invasion and seizure of her goods were illegal and unconstitutional.
- A court order compelling NAFDAC to pay ₦15,746,000 as compensation for the seized items.
- A demand for the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government to launch an independent investigation into the incident.
- Barr. Ejiofor emphasized that the suit was filed after the expiration of the required pre-action notice period, adding that no government agency should operate beyond the limits of the law.
“The heartbreaking footage of Mrs. Okoye in tears after her shop was looted has gone viral. Her case is now a symbol of the dangers of institutional overreach,” Ejiofor said.
He further insisted that while Nigerians support NAFDAC’s mission to combat fake drugs, such actions must never infringe upon the rights of innocent traders or cripple legitimate businesses.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
“In every democratic society, the rule of law must remain supreme. We demand justice—and it must not only be done but be seen to be done.”
This case is attracting nationwide attention as a potential landmark judgment in protecting small business owners from unlawful enforcement actions.
Stay with Naija Blog Daily for more updates on court cases in Nigeria, trader rights, and legal news impacting Nigerian markets.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, and we bring you the latest Nigerian news on politics and economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates, including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
