The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its enforcement operations at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market, following widespread reactions to a viral video that accused the agency of extortion. NAFDAC insists it carried out a legitimate drug raid in Anambra State and did not engage in any illegal demands.
NAFDAC Responds to Video Over Drug Raid in Anambra
The drug raid in Anambra was questioned after controversial influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, claimed that NAFDAC demanded N700,000 from shop owners to reopen their businesses. While NAFDAC did not directly respond to this allegation, it stressed that over 2,500 compliant traders have resumed operations in 3,500 shops since March 9, 2025.
In a statement signed by the agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC explained that the raid targeted dangerous items such as unregistered, expired, and banned drugs. Some of the seized products include controlled narcotics that are banned outright in Nigeria.
NAFDAC made it clear that shops still closed were involved in serious violations. “The few remaining shops are linked to banned narcotics,” the statement read. “The cartel behind them continues to incite others and mislead the public to escape justice.”
NAFDAC Warns Against Incitement Over Anambra Drug Raid
NAFDAC also raised alarm over the viral video posted by VeryDarkMan, which the agency said could be in violation of the Cybercrime Act. “We are aware of misleading videos inciting traders in Onitsha,” NAFDAC stated, urging security agencies to take note. The agency claimed that the influencer encouraged people to disobey regulatory processes.
NAFDAC urged the public to remain law-abiding, assuring that those behind the distribution of fake and dangerous drugs will face prosecution. It also stated that its enforcement actions were carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“The influencer has openly encouraged defiance of NAFDAC’s mandate. Law enforcement will determine if he has broken any laws,” the agency said.
NAFDAC Defends Anambra Drug Raid as Necessary for Public Safety
In conclusion, NAFDAC stood firm on its actions, stating that the Anambra drug raid was necessary to protect the public. “We operate strictly within our mandate to ensure that medicines, vaccines, and medical devices used in Nigeria are safe and effective,” the statement added. The agency emphasized that substandard and fake drugs have been linked to deaths among pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.
NAFDAC maintains that the Anambra drug raid was lawful, vital, and not politically motivated.
