By Our Reporter
Traders operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, demanding an investigation into alleged intimidation, threats, property disputes and the demolition of commercial buildings.
The traders said the dispute, which has persisted for about two years, has disrupted businesses and raised concerns about their safety, alleging that some individuals had used their purported connections with security agencies to intimidate members of the association. Vanguard News
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Chief Okey Muojekwu, who represented the traders, said the demolition of a commercial plaza in 2025 had worsened the dispute and caused losses to traders and other investors.
He alleged that four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished during the dispute.
Muojekwu also called for an investigation into alleged alterations or forgery of property documents, claiming that the ownership name had been changed from Osumakan Model Ventures.
He urged the relevant authorities to examine the documents and establish the rightful ownership of the disputed properties.
The traders further alleged that some police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, had been used to harass and intimidate members of the association.
Muojekwu claimed that he was recently attacked by suspected hoodlums who allegedly stabbed him with a knife. He said he escaped and reported the incident to the police.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the lack of effective action against those responsible, adding that threats against members 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 an alleged assault 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, provide adequate protection for affected members and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
The Chairman of the market association, Tochukwu Umeh, said the crisis was also linked to disagreements over the Anambra State Government’s decision to remove some market leaders from their positions.
Umeh alleged that some of the affected individuals had continued to occupy their positions despite the government’s decision. He argued that the government had no right to remove leaders elected by market members.
He said the disagreement had contributed to tensions within the market, disrupted commercial activities and complicated its administration.
Similarly, a patron of the market, Onyeka Oguejiofor, alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to displace recognised traders and market leaders.
He claimed that some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice.
Oguejiofor further alleged that individuals involved in the dispute had boasted of their connections within the police and their ability to act without consequences.
He said the traders had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer and relevant market association officials but had yet to obtain a lasting resolution.
According to him, some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which the alleged activities resumed.
He added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly urged compliance with the government’s decision concerning the removal of the affected market leaders.
The traders called on the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and ensure that all parties complied with the law.
They said their primary objective was to secure a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protect their property and livelihoods, and enable them to conduct their businesses without intimidation.