Traders operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, over alleged property demolitions, threats to their lives, intimidation and a prolonged dispute over the ownership and leadership of a market plaza.
The traders made the appeal while addressing journalists in Abuja, alleging that they had endured nearly two years of harassment and intimidation by individuals they accused of exploiting their alleged connections with security agencies.
Chief Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the traders, said the dispute had disrupted business activities and created fear among members of the association.
He alleged that four buildings, including properties located at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished in 2025, resulting in substantial financial losses for affected traders.
Muojekwu further alleged that property documents had been altered or forged to transfer ownership from Osumakan Model Ventures. He called on the police to investigate the documents and establish the legitimate ownership of the disputed properties.
The traders also accused some security personnel, including officers allegedly attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, of being used to intimidate members of the association.
Trader Alleges Knife Attack
Recounting his personal experience, Muojekwu claimed that he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife.
He said he escaped the attack and reported the incident to the police but expressed dissatisfaction with the response, claiming that effective action against those responsible was yet to be taken.
The traders also raised concerns over an alleged incident involving a man identified as Chris Okon, whom they claimed was beaten at his residence and taken away alongside a woman.
According to Muojekwu, the woman remained in detention from Friday until Monday or Tuesday, when she was reportedly released.
The association urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the alleged incidents, provide protection for those affected and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
Leadership Dispute Deepens Market Crisis
The crisis reportedly extends beyond the property ownership disagreement to disputes over the leadership of the market association.
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The association’s chairman, Tochukwu Umeh, attributed part of the problem to the state government’s decision to remove certain market leaders.
Umeh alleged that some of the affected individuals had continued to occupy leadership positions despite the government’s decision, arguing that they had been elected by market members.
He said the disagreement had heightened tensions, fuelled allegations of harassment and disrupted the administration of the market.
A market patron, Onyeka Oguejiofor, also alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to displace recognised traders and leaders.
According to him, some traders had allegedly been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice.
Oguejiofor further claimed that some of those accused had boasted of their connections within the police and their ability to act without facing consequences.
He said the traders had reported the matter to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, while also seeking intervention from the relevant market association.
He alleged that some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which the disputed activities reportedly resumed.
Oguejiofor added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly advised them to comply with the government’s decision regarding the affected market leaders.
Traders Seek Government Intervention
The traders appealed to the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and restore normal business activities at the market.
They said their primary concerns were the protection of their rights, the safety of traders, a peaceful resolution of the leadership dispute and an end to the alleged intimidation.
The allegations had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report. No response from the police or the individuals accused was available at the time of publication.
Asenexpress will continue to monitor developments surrounding the dispute and provide updates as further information becomes available.
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