The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has apprehended an outfit that illegally operates as a consumer protection organisation.

Director, Corporate Affairs of the Commission, Ondaje Ijagwu, who stated this in Abuja, explained that the operation was carried out in conjunction with law enforcement at No. 214 Aba-Owerri Road, Aba, Abia State.

The organisation named ‘Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (CCPIN)’ was accused of operating an unlawful entity.

Ijagwu added that the FCCPC’s action followed credible intelligence that CCPIN was falsely claiming affiliation with the Commission and misleading the public by representing itself as an ‘Authorised Consumer Protection NGO’ of the FCCPC.

The entity had issued public notices alleging joint surveillance operations with FCCPC and was soliciting consumer complaints through unauthorised telephone lines.

He added: “During the operation, the operator of the facility, Amb. Dr. Onwuka K. Okorie, was arrested on-site and is currently in police custody at World Bank Police Station, Abayi-Aba, Abia State, pending further investigation and prosecution.

“A number of exhibits bearing FCCPC’s name, logo, and false enforcement materials were recovered from the premises. The Commission categorically disassociates itself from CCPIN and affirms that it neither authorises nor partners with CCPIN or any similarly styled organisation for enforcement or consumer protection operations, and does not delegate such powers to NGOs, private entities, or individuals without formal legal authorisation.”

The commission declared that it is committed to operating with the highest level of transparency while ensuring consumer protection and market integrity.

It said: “The public is strongly advised to disregard any announcements, sealing notices, or consumer-related campaigns issued by CCPIN or any of its representatives.”