Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding an investigation into alleged threats to their lives, the demolition of commercial buildings and a disputed takeover of shops at a market plaza.
The traders, operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders, said a protracted dispute over property ownership and market leadership had subjected members to nearly two years of intimidation, disrupted businesses and raised fears for their safety.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Chief Okey Muojekwu, who represented the traders, alleged that some individuals involved in the dispute had exploited their claimed connections with security agencies to intimidate members of the association.
He said four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished in 2025, worsening the dispute and causing losses to affected traders.
Muojekwu also called for an investigation into alleged alterations or forgery of property documents purportedly used to transfer ownership from Osumakan Model Ventures.
He urged the police to examine the relevant records and establish the legitimate ownership of the disputed properties.
The traders further accused some police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, of allegedly being used to intimidate members.
The allegations were not independently verified, and no response from the police was available in the account presented by the traders.
Muojekwu also alleged that he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who stabbed him with a knife.
He said he escaped and reported the incident to the police but expressed dissatisfaction with the response, claiming that those responsible had yet to face effective action.
He added that threats against members had allegedly continued despite the report.
The traders also raised concerns over an alleged incident involving a man identified as Chris Okon, who they said 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 before being released. The circumstances surrounding the alleged detention were not independently established.
The association urged the IGP to investigate the incidents, protect affected traders and ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The controversy also involves disagreements over the leadership of the market association and the state government’s reported decision to remove some market leaders.
The association’s chairman, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, alleged that some affected individuals had continued to occupy leadership positions despite the government’s decision.
He argued that the leaders had been elected by market members, adding that the disagreement had contributed to tensions, allegations of harassment and disruptions to market administration.
A market patron, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, separately alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without due process and were attempting to displace recognised traders and market leaders.
He said some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice.
Oguejiofor further alleged that individuals involved in the dispute had boasted of their connections with the police and their ability to act without consequences.
According to him, the traders had reported the matter to the state Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer while seeking intervention from the relevant market association.
He claimed that some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which the alleged activities 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 concerning the affected market leaders.
The traders appealed to the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the competing claims and help restore normal business activities.
They said their demands were for a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protection of their rights and an end to alleged intimidation.
The allegations, including those concerning property ownership, demolition, assault and police involvement, could not be independently verified.