The petition obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday was also copied to the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the Chief of Army Staff. 

Amid the controversy surrounding the continued closure of the Onitsha Drugs Market and six adjoining markets, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, and the Minister of Health Muhammad Ali Pate, have been petitioned to probe officials involved in the exercise over allegations of corruption, rights violations, and irregularities. 

The petition obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday was also copied to the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the Chief of Army Staff. 

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a human rights organistion, which raised the petition, called for an immediate reopening of the markets and an investigation into alleged abuses by the officials involved.

According to Intersociety, “The ongoing militarist closure and collective punishment operations by NAFDAC and its hired others have far-reaching socio-security consequences. Over 95% of the traders affected are innocent, and their livelihoods have been destroyed. This must be reversed immediately.”

The petition, dated 24 and 25 February 2025, outlined 16 alleged operational illegalities and corrupt practices, demanding thorough investigations to establish their authenticity and hold those responsible accountable. 

It also raised concerns over the confiscation of an estimated 20 containers of drugs worth N400billion, including licensed pharmaceuticals, globally approved medications, and illicit substances.

“There is zero accountability regarding the seized drugs. The whereabouts, quantity, and ownership of these drugs remain unclear. We demand a forensic audit of the confiscated items and a public disclosure by NAFDAC and security agencies,” Intersociety stated.

The group further alleged that NAFDAC officials, along with drafted soldiers and police personnel, forcibly took control of the markets, broke into shops, and carted away goods without traders present. 

It warned that if the closure continued, it could push affected individuals into criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and fraud.

“The heads of NAFDAC and its allied coercive establishments must ensure transparency and accountability in their operations. Bank accounts of officials involved should be monitored for suspicious transactions to detect any corrupt proceeds from this operation,” the group insisted.

Intersociety urged authorities to allow the importation of multinational drugs and liberalise their registration process, which it claims is unnecessarily prolonged.

"NAFDAC’s rigid policies make it nearly impossible for global pharmaceutical products to be registered in Nigeria, causing unnecessary hardship for traders and the public,” the statement added.

The petition also commended media outlets and legislators for their efforts in highlighting the issue. 

It acknowledged the House of Representatives motion, sponsored by Hon. Afam Ogene, which called on NAFDAC to ensure innocent traders were not unfairly affected. 

Likewise, the Anambra State House of Assembly’s resolution urging NAFDAC to reconsider its approach was praised as a positive step.

“We urge all stakeholders to continue their efforts until justice is served, the markets are reopened, and the livelihoods of thousands of traders and their dependents are restored,” intersociety concluded.