Seeks Probe of Alleged Looting By Security Operatives

A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its efforts to stamp out fake drugs in Nigeria but however, warned that it must be executed with fairness and precision.

While demanding investigation of the alleged looting and other criminal activities carried out by security operatives stationed at Ogbogwu Market in Onitsha, he called for the immediate reopening of Onitsha Drug Market, while ensuring that only the guilty face the full weight of the law.

Ejiofor, lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in a statement warned merchants of fake drugs to desist as their actions have sent thousands of innocent souls to their early graves and is one of the most grievous crimes imaginable, deserving the harshest punishments under the law.

He said, “I stand in full support of the ongoing efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to eliminate counterfeit drugs from Nigerian markets. The production and distribution of fake drugs by unscrupulous individuals, who profit at the expense of innocent lives, is an evil that must be eradicated. Every well-meaning Nigerian should applaud this bold initiative.

“However, while the fight against fake drugs is crucial, it must be executed with fairness and precision. In my previous writings, I have consistently emphasized the need for proper profiling of offenders, their enablers, and conspirators – a critical area where our security agencies often fall short. Wrongly punishing innocent citizens for crimes they know nothing about has severe consequences, both legally and morally.

“The Principle of Justice – Protecting the Innocent: The importance of ensuring that only the guilty are punished is well-established in legal philosophy. As far back as 1769, the English jurist William Blackstone articulated a fundamental legal principle: “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”

“This doctrine was later echoed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1895, which reaffirmed that it is more just for a crime to go unpunished than for an innocent person to be wrongfully condemned. These perspectives underscore the necessity of meticulous investigations before imposing punitive measures.

“Allegations Against Security Operatives at Onitsha Drug Market: Disturbing reports have emerged regarding alleged looting and other criminal activities carried out by security operatives stationed at Ogbogwu Market.

“The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) recently raised alarm over these troubling developments, calling on NAFDAC to account for hundreds of millions of naira worth of goods allegedly stolen during security raids. A petition addressing these concerns was sent to the NAFDAC Director General, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, and Other relevant authorities.

“To date, there has been no public response from the recipients, further fueling concerns about transparency and accountability.

“The Need for a Balanced Approach: InterSociety has also warned of serious socio-security consequences arising from the continued closure of the Onitsha Drug Market and six adjoining markets. Anambra State is already grappling with security challenges, and keeping traders out of business for an extended period could exacerbate economic hardship and instability.

“A comparable operation in Lagos Drug Market was reportedly completed swiftly, with the market reopened to genuine traders. Importantly, there were no reported cases of shop break-ins because NAFDAC took a structured approach to profiling and dealing with criminals. This demonstrates that law enforcement can be both firm and fair – rooting out offenders without punishing the innocent.

“A Call for Immediate Action:
I urge NAFDAC to refine its investigative methods by utilizing the existing surveillance cameras in the Onitsha Drug Market to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Innocent traders should not be made to suffer due to the actions of a criminal minority.

“Additionally, the allegations of looting and unlawful shop break-ins by security operatives must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. Justice cannot be served through illegality.

“A Final Plea to Criminal Elements: To those involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs, I make this urgent plea: Desist now!!!

“Your actions send thousands of innocent souls to their early graves. This is one of the most grievous crimes imaginable, deserving the harshest punishments under the law. NAFDAC’s mission to rid Nigeria of fake drugs is one we must all support. However, this fight must be carried out with fairness, justice, and due process. I, therefore, lend my voice to the call for the immediate reopening of Onitsha Drug Market, while ensuring that only the guilty face the full weight of the law.”

ENDS***

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

The recently elected Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. (Dr) John Joseph Hayab said he has outlined a vision focused on unity, development, and advocacy for justice within Northern Nigeria.

Rev. Hayab who was reacting to accusation from the Rev Yakubu Pam led group, emphasised that he is committed to integrity, transparency, and service to the Christian community and the nation at large.

He said, “We will not allow greed to take over our conscience'” while acknowledging issues such as divisions, violence, and hardships that have tested the Christian faith and unity, just as he expressed optimism, saying, “We are defined by our resilience, our capacity for love, and our unwavering hope for a brighter future.”

Rev. Hayab also highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that CAN would work closely with national, regional, and state chapters, as well as civil society organizations, government agencies, and other faith groups.

He emphasized, “We will partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities and protections they deserve.”

Furthermore, he addressed internal challenges within CAN, particularly regarding leadership transitions. He urged respect for leadership changes, stating, “We will serve our term and leave.”

“My vision for Northern CAN centers on fostering unity, promoting development, and advocating for justice, aiming to serve with integrity and address the diverse needs of the Christian community in the region” he stressed.
Meanwhile, addressing newsmen after their meeting in Kaduna in a text read by Elder Sunday Oibe as Secretary of Pam’s led northern CAN, said, “We invited you to debunk the lies that were peddled by some desperate, self seeking characters a few days ago.

“We want to make it clear that Hayab is not a member of Northern CAN,” Oibe alleged.

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and political activist, Timi Frank, has raised the alarm over plots by some persons loyal to a former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike to import the issue of defection, which is still at the Appeal Court, into the recent judgement to undermine the ongoing cases.

He also called on the Supreme Court Chief Justice and the panel of Justices who heard the recent Rivers State case not to allow desperate attempts to tamper the original judgement.

Frank on a statement described the move as a “desperate lobby to smuggle into the Judgment an aspect which was not decided.”

He accused some loyalists of a former Governor of Rivers State as brains behind the move.

“There is an ongoing plot to doctor the Supreme Court Judgement on Rivers and insert issues of defection that were not litigated by the parties by the pro-Wike group to help destroy the pending cases on defection before the Appeal Court and Federal High Court”, he said.

According to him, the issue of defection and legal battle to decide whether they were right or wrong is presently at the Appeal Court and Federal High Court, where Nigerians are waiting to see the judicial interpretation of the illegal act of cross carpeting at a time there was no division which was also backed by a court affidavit sworn to by the defected lawmakers.

Frank said, “We are calling on the Supreme Court Chief Justice and the Panel of Justices who heard the case to ensure that the desperate attempts of the Wike group do not taint their Judgement and that the issue of defection, which is still at the Appeal Court, is not imported into the Judgement to undermine the ongoing cases.

“We are confident that the eminent jurist who delivered the Judgment knows the issues at stake and will not fail Nigerians by ensuring that a check is put on the Wike group’s political madness and desperation, which is threatening constitutional democracy in Nigeria.

“I have just been reliably informed of a last minute desperate moves by former Governor Wike and his lawyers working with some elements in the Supreme Court to use the ongoing writing of the recently delivered Judgement of the Supreme Court on the issue of Rivers LGA election and presentation of budget to smuggle an item which was never the substantive matter that the Supreme Court decided and which was never part of what was read in the open Court, the issue of the legality of the decampment of the Wike loyal lawmakers from PDP to APC at a time there was no crisis.

“This desperate move, which will rubbish the integrity of the Supreme Court if not stopped by our respected jurist, will do irredeemable damage to our nation’s apex and respected Court.

“The move is to insert over two pages of strange ruling on defection, knowing fully well that the illegal defection of the Wike group of lawmakers was not the subject matter before the Court, but rather on the issue of conduct of LGA election and Amaewhule’s claim to speakership based on cases they filled even before their defection.

“What they want to push into the Judgment secretly was never part of the ruling of the lower courts or the Supreme Court. They are already celebrating, and my contact in the chamber of one of their lawyers has shown me a draft of what they are confident will be inserted today ahead of the release of the typed CTC of the Judgment today or tomorrow.”