VeryDarkMan Exposes Alleged NAFDAC Extortion at Onitsha Drug Market

On May 24, 2025, Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, visited the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, spotlighting allegations of ongoing extortion by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). In a series of viral social media videos, VeryDarkMan accused NAFDAC officials of demanding payments from traders to reopen shops sealed during a February 2025 raid targeting counterfeit drugs. For Nigerian audiences, this exposé is a rallying cry, echoing the nation’s demand for transparency and fairness in its economic hubs.

VeryDarkMan’s Onitsha Visit

VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken campaigns against injustice, toured the market, engaging with traders who claimed NAFDAC officials are extorting sums—allegedly up to ₦700,000 per shop owner—to unlock businesses shuttered since February 8, 2025. The activist’s videos, widely shared online, show locked shops and frustrated traders, with some alleging that payments are funneled into non-government accounts. “This is daylight robbery,” VeryDarkMan declared, urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to investigate. His visit follows a pattern of activism, including a 2024 protest at NAFDAC’s office over unregistered products.

Background of the Market Closure

NAFDAC’s raid, which began February 10, 2025, targeted fake, substandard, and expired drugs at Onitsha’s market, Africa’s largest open drug hub. The agency seized over 100 truckloads of illicit products, valued at ₦1 trillion, and uncovered weapons and narcotics hidden in plumbing shops. While NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, defended the operation as a public health necessity, traders have faced severe fallout. Reports indicate over 4,000 businesses were crippled, with some owners unable to pay rent or school fees, prompting protests and a seven-day hunger strike by activist Vincent Ezekwueme in March.

Allegations of Extortion

The core of VeryDarkMan’s claims centers on alleged extortion by NAFDAC officials. Traders, backed by groups like the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, assert that payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦2 million are demanded for “profiling” or to recover seized goods, often without receipts. A trader, Mrs. Eberechukwu Okoye, previously demanded ₦22 million in compensation, alleging NAFDAC looted non-drug items like clothing from her shop. NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, has dismissed these claims, insisting that fines are lawful and tied to infractions, not extortion.

Public and Official Reactions

The Onitsha controversy has fueled public outrage, with social media amplifying VeryDarkMan’s call for accountability. Nigerians, from Lagos to Abuja, are drawing parallels to past NAFDAC battles under Prof. Dora Akunyili, who faced death threats from drug cartels. Anambra Governor Charles Soludo has supported NAFDAC’s anti-counterfeit efforts but faced criticism for not addressing trader grievances. A Federal High Court in Awka summoned NAFDAC’s leadership in March over the raids, and the South-East House of Representatives caucus urged the agency to prosecute offenders rather than punish all traders.

Ongoing Developments

NAFDAC partially reopened the market in March, but many shops remain locked, with traders required to complete profiling at NAFDAC’s office. VeryDarkMan’s visit underscores unresolved tensions, as allegations of extortion persist. The activist has called for a federal probe into NAFDAC’s financial dealings, citing claims that payments are made to corporate, not Central Bank, accounts. As pressure mounts, Nigerians await responses from the Ministry of Health and NAFDAC’s leadership.

Stay Updated

Parrotainment will continue to follow this developing story, providing updates on VeryDarkMan’s campaign, NAFDAC’s response, and the fate of Onitsha’s traders. As Nigeria grapples with balancing public health and economic fairness, this saga remains critical. Stay tuned for more news, alongside music, movies, and sports coverage.