Onitsha traders petition IGP Disu over alleged threats, plaza demolition

A group of traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to investigate alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of commercial buildings linked to a dispute over the leadership and ownership of a market plaza.

The traders, operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders, said they had faced persistent harassment and threats for about two years. They alleged that some individuals had used their connections with security agencies to intimidate members of the association.

Chief Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the traders at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said the alleged harassment had affected their businesses and left members concerned for their safety.

He said the plaza where they conducted their businesses was demolished in 2025, worsening the dispute and disrupting their livelihoods.

Muojekwu alleged that four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished, affecting traders and other investors who had invested in businesses at the location.

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He further alleged that some individuals had altered or forged property documents to change the ownership name from Osumakan Model Ventures, calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and establish the rightful ownership of the property.

The traders also alleged that police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, had been used to intimidate them.

Muojekwu said he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife, stating that he escaped and reported the incident to the police.

He, however, expressed concern that, to his knowledge, no effective action had been taken against those responsible, adding that threats against members of the association had continued.

He also raised concerns over an alleged incident involving a man identified as Chris Okon, who was reportedly taken away alongside a woman after some individuals allegedly beat him at his residence.

According to Muojekwu, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before she was released.

The traders appealed to the IGP to investigate the allegations, protect them from further attacks and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Also speaking, the chairman of the market association, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, said the dispute was linked to disagreements over the removal of some market leaders by the state government.

Umeh alleged that some individuals had continued to occupy leadership positions despite the government’s decision to remove them, arguing that the state government had no right to remove leaders elected by market members.

He said the dispute had contributed to the alleged harassment of traders and disrupted market activities, making the administration of the market difficult.

Similarly, a patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to force out recognised leaders and traders.

Oguejiofor said some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice or communication.

He alleged that those involved had boasted of their connections with the police and their ability to act without consequences.

According to him, the traders had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer and had also approached the leadership of the relevant market association, but no lasting resolution had been achieved.

Oguejiofor said some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which they allegedly resumed the activities complained about.

He added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly urged them to comply with the government’s decision on the removal of the affected leaders.

He appealed to the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and ensure that traders could conduct their businesses without intimidation.

The traders said they wanted a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protection of their rights and an opportunity to resume normal business activities.