Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the alleged demolition of commercial buildings, threats to their lives and a prolonged dispute over the ownership and leadership of a market plaza.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, members of the Association of Modebeb Traders said they had endured nearly two years of harassment and intimidation by individuals they accused of exploiting connections with security agencies.
Speaking on their behalf, Chief Okey Muojekwu said the dispute had crippled their businesses and heightened fears for their safety. He alleged that four buildings, including those at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished in 2025, leaving affected traders with heavy losses.
He also alleged that property documents were altered or forged to transfer ownership from Osumakan Model Ventures, and urged the authorities to examine the records and establish the rightful owners.
Muojekwu further accused some police personnel, including officers attached to an anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, of being used to intimidate traders. He said he was recently attacked and stabbed by suspected thugs, but escaped and reported the matter to the police. According to him, no effective action has followed, and threats against members have continued.
The traders also cited the case of a man identified as Chris Okon, who they said was beaten at his residence and taken away with a woman. Muojekwu said the woman was held from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before being released.
The traders urged the IGP to investigate, protect those affected and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
The dispute also involves a leadership tussle within the market association. The association’s chairman, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, said it was tied to the Anambra State Government’s decision to remove some market leaders. He alleged that some of those affected had continued to occupy leadership positions, though they had been elected by market members. He said the row had fuelled tension, harassment allegations and disruptions to market administration.
A patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, separately alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without due process and were trying to displace recognised traders and leaders. He said some traders were removed or threatened with eviction without formal notice, and that those involved boasted of police connections and of acting without consequences.
Oguejiofor said the matter was reported to the state Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, and that the traders also sought help from the relevant market association. He claimed some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week, only for the alleged activities to resume after their release.
He added that state officials responsible for trade and commerce reportedly advised the traders to comply with the government’s decision on the affected market leaders.
The traders appealed to the police and government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and help restore normal business. They said they wanted a peaceful resolution, protection of their rights and an end to the alleged intimidation.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and no response from the police or the accused individuals was included in the account provided.
