The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has accused social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), of inciting traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State to defy regulatory processes.
In a viral video, VDM was seen among protesting traders, alleging that NAFDAC officials demanded N500,000 to N700,000 from shop owners to reopen businesses closed during a February 2025 raid targeting fake and unwholesome medicines.
NAFDAC’s Official Statement
In a statement by NAFDAC Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency clarified that the Ogbogwu market was reopened on March 9, 2025, with over 2,500 traders across 3,500 shops resuming operations after complying with regulatory requirements.
Adeyeye noted that a few remaining closed shops belong to traders dealing in banned narcotics, who have refused identification.
She emphasized that state government intervention allowed traders a moratorium to relocate to a Coordinated Warehouse Centre for better monitoring and accountability.
Accusations of Incitement
NAFDAC accused VDM of undermining its authority by urging traders to resist regulatory measures, potentially violating the Cybercrime Act.
Adeyeye described the influencer’s actions as an attempt to divert attention from traders involved in illegal drug activities, labeling them a “cartel” evading justice.
The agency has called on security operatives to investigate whether VDM’s videos constitute incitement, leaving the matter to law enforcement.
Context of the Onitsha Raid
The February 2025 raid, conducted with the Office of the National Security Adviser, targeted counterfeit and banned drugs worth over ₦1 trillion.
NAFDAC defends the operation as critical to public safety, dismissing extortion claims as misleading.
However, posts on social media and statements from figures like Peter Obi have criticized alleged demands of N700,000 per shop, calling them “economic sabotage.”
NAFDAC maintains that compliant traders have resumed business, and the agency remains committed to combating fake drugs.
Public and Political Reactions
This controversy has sparked debate, with some netizens defending VDM for exposing alleged extortion, while others support NAFDAC’s efforts to regulate the drug market.
Peter Obi, Labour Party leader, condemned the reported fees, urging authorities to allow traders to reopen without undue financial burdens.
NAFDAC’s actions and VDM’s allegations continue to fuel discussions on regulatory fairness and public safety.
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