The leadership of the Onitsha Building Materials Market Traders Association has rejected reports alleging that police officers raided shops and seized goods worth N50 million.
The traders described the reported Onitsha goods seizure as false, warning that the allegation could damage the relationship between traders and the police.
Chairman of the Ozomagana Building Materials Market Traders Association, Obiora Okoro, and the association’s Secretary, Patrick Obiekwe, separately addressed journalists at the weekend.
The market leaders said they were surprised by reports claiming that personnel attached to the Onitsha Area Command of the Anambra State Police Command had raided shops in the market.
According to the reports, police officers allegedly seized goods valued at more than N50 million from Shop 52 on August 9, 2026.
The traders, however, said they were unaware of any complaint from the market concerning such an incident.
They also said they did not recognise an individual identified as Nnanunyelugo Elias, who was reportedly presented in the reports as a spokesperson for traders.
The reports further alleged that police officers had been breaking into shops at night and removing goods without search warrants, court orders or other authorising documents.
The alleged operations were said to have occurred around 10pm, after many traders and workers had left the market.
Reacting to the controversy, the Onitsha Area Commander, ACP Temitope Fasugba, dismissed the allegations and described the publication as an embarrassment to the command.
Fasugba said an identification parade was conducted following the reports but none of the officers named in connection with the alleged operation was found to be serving under his command or within Onitsha metropolis.
The police chief alleged that the report was fabricated by individuals attempting to undermine the command and its activities.
He urged journalists and content creators to verify information before publishing reports that could create unnecessary tension.
Fasugba said allegations of harassment and extortion involving officers under his command had been addressed since he assumed office about three months ago.
While rejecting the reported Onitsha goods seizure, the area commander also warned police personnel against insubordination in the course of their duties.
He stressed that officers must operate professionally and within the law to strengthen public confidence in the police.
According to him, adherence to professional standards would also help the public recognise the efforts of police personnel in preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
