Onitsha building materials market leaders debunk N50m goods seizure

ONITSHA — The leadership of the Onitsha Building Materials Market Traders Association has debunked allegations that personnel of the Onitsha Area Command of the Anambra State Police Command have been raiding shops and confiscating goods worth N50 million in the market.

Chairman of Ozomagana Building Materials Market Traders Association, Mr Obiora Okoro, and the Secretary, Mr Patrick Obiekwe, who separately addressed newsmen at the weekend, said they were shocked by reports in some media and online platforms alleging that policemen attached to the Onitsha Area Command had been raiding shops in the market.

The reports alleged that on August 9, 2026, the policemen confiscated goods worth more than N50 million from a shop identified as No. 52 in the market.

The market leaders described the reports as untrue and capable of damaging the cordial relationship between the police and traders.

They said they were not aware of any such complaint originating from the market or any member of the association known as Nnanunyelugo Elias, who reportedly presented himself as a spokesperson for the traders.

The traders were also quoted in the reports as alleging that some police officers attached to the Area Command had been breaking into shops at night and carting away goods without presenting search warrants, court orders or other official documents authorising the operations.

The alleged raids were said to take place around 10pm, when most shop owners and their workers had left the market.

Reacting to the allegations, the Onitsha Area Commander, ACP Temitope Fasugba, described the publication as an embarrassment to personnel of the command.

Fasugba told newsmen in his office that following an identification parade, he discovered that none of the names mentioned as policemen involved in the alleged operation was serving in his command or anywhere within the Onitsha metropolis.

The area commander alleged that the report was fabricated by individuals seeking to undermine the command and its operations.

He urged content creators and other media practitioners to verify information before publishing reports capable of causing unnecessary tension.

Fasugba said allegations of harassment and extortion by personnel under his command had been addressed since he assumed office as Area Commander about three months ago.

He, however, warned police personnel in the metropolis against acts of insubordination while carrying out their lawful duties.

According to him, strict adherence to professional conduct would help strengthen public confidence in the police and enable members of the public to recognise their efforts in preventing crime and protecting lives and property.