Onitsha market leaders debunk police raid, N50m goods seizure claim

The leadership of the Ozomagana Building Materials Market Traders Association (BMMTA), Onitsha, Anambra state, has dismissed reports alleging that policemen attached to the Onitsha Area Command raided shops in the market and seized goods worth about N50 million.

The association’s Chairman, Mr. Obiora Okoro, and Secretary, Mr. Patrick Obiekwe, described the reports as false and capable of undermining the cordial relationship between traders and the police.

The market leaders, who spoke with newsmen at the weekend, said they were surprised by reports published by some media and online platforms alleging that police officers raided shops in the market and, on August 9, 2026, confiscated goods valued at more than N50 million from a shop identified as No. 52.

According to them, neither the association nor its recognised leadership received any complaint or report concerning such an incident.

They also disowned an individual identified as Nnanunyelugo Elias, who was reportedly presented in some reports as a spokesperson for traders in the market.

Okoro and Obiekwe said Elias did not represent the position of the association or the traders, stressing that the leadership was not aware of any complaint concerning the alleged seizure.

The controversy followed allegations that some policemen attached to the Onitsha Area Command had been conducting night raids on shops in the market and allegedly removing goods without presenting search warrants, court orders or other documents authorising such operations.

The allegations further claimed that the purported raids were usually carried out at about 10 p.m., after traders and their workers had left the market.

However, the Onitsha Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Temitope Fasugba, rejected the allegations, describing the publication as an embarrassment to personnel of the command.

Fasugba, who spoke with newsmen in his office, said he conducted an identification parade following the publication and discovered that none of the names listed as members of the team allegedly involved in the operation was serving under his command or anywhere within the Onitsha metropolis.

The Area Commander described the report as a deliberate attempt by what he called sponsored elements to undermine the command and create distrust between the police and members of the public.

He urged journalists and content creators to verify information before publishing reports capable of creating tension or misleading members of the public.

Fasugba also maintained that allegations of harassment and extortion involving police personnel under his command had been brought to an end since he assumed office about three months ago.

He warned officers serving within the metropolis against insubordination and any conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, policemen are expected to perform their duties within the confines of the law and maintain professionalism while protecting lives and property.

The Area Commander said the police remained committed to preventing crime and protecting residents, traders and businesses across the Onitsha metropolis.

He added that responsible policing, accurate information and cooperation among security agencies, traders and other stakeholders were essential to maintaining peace and security in the commercial city.