The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to return goods confiscated from traders at the Ogbo Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group condemned the agency’s midnight raid, accusing NAFDAC officials of blocking CCTV cameras, breaking into shops, and seizing goods under the pretext of targeting counterfeit drugs. IPOB criticized the lack of transparency in the operation and raised concerns about the methods used.
While opposing the sale of counterfeit drugs, IPOB questioned the rationale behind the raid and the lack of evidence proving the seized products were counterfeit. The group asked why the operation was carried out at night, why cameras were blocked, and where the proof was that the confiscated drugs were fake. They also questioned the decision to seal the entire market, affecting both innocent and guilty traders alike.
IPOB has urged NAFDAC to adopt a more professional approach in addressing fake drug sales and suggested establishing permanent offices in drug markets to ensure proper regulation instead of surprise raids.