A Popular social media influencer, Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, has raised alarm over alleged intimidation, extortion, and unlawful arrests of traders at Nwugo Market, Onitsha, calling on authorities in Anambra State to urgently intervene.
Narrating his personal connection to the market, Iwuchukwu explained that his late childhood and formative years were closely tied to the trading environment established by his father. According to him, his father operated a small alcoholic beverage shop on Akunnia Njote Street in Onitsha, where he and his brother regularly assisted during school breaks.
He noted that the modest size of the shop at the time was due to plans by traders to relocate to a more permanent and structured location. This vision materialized with the establishment of Nwugo Market along Port Harcourt Road, which he said was officially commissioned by the last military administration in Anambra State prior to Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, with a certificate of occupancy issued to traders.
Iwuchukwu emphasized that the market played a pivotal role in his upbringing, stating that proceeds from his father’s trading activities funded his and his brother’s education at Madonna University, Okija. He added that while his brother was actively involved in the physical aspects of the business, he often spent his time reading newspapers at the market, describing the environment as instrumental in shaping his life.
The situation, however, has reportedly deteriorated in recent times. Iwuchukwu recounted that he was recently awakened by his father with distressing news that his younger brother, Ichie Iwuchukwu Stephen Ogugua, had been arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka.
According to his account, the arrest followed ongoing tensions within the market allegedly caused by an individual identified as Ifeanyi Okeke, who is accused of intimidating traders and imposing unauthorized levies. Iwuchukwu alleged that the individual claims ownership of the market through a disputed transaction with the Ugochukwu family, despite an existing legal dispute over ownership.
He further alleged that traders had been compelled to pay a daily fee of ₦1,000, as well as ₦20,000 per delivery vehicle, without any official government documentation. While traders initially complied to maintain peace, resistance to the payments reportedly triggered a crackdown.
Iwuchukwu stated that his brother and several others were allegedly apprehended from the market and taken to the CID facility in Awka on what he described as unfounded charges, where they were detained overnight. He noted that he had to intervene to secure his brother’s release and prevent further legal action.
Describing the situation as alarming, Iwuchukwu questioned the breakdown of order within the market, expressing concern over what he termed the emergence of “a parallel authority” operating outside the control of the state government.
He called on the Anambra State Government, led by Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to investigate the matter and take decisive action to restore law and order, warning that failure to act could lead to wider unrest.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from relevant authorities regarding the allegations.
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