03/06/2025
Goodnews
🟥 BREAKING NEWS: NAFDAC Reopens Ọgbọ Ọgwụ Market Onitsha, Following VDM's Exposure of ₦700K Extortion
After months of market closure and public outcry, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reportedly reopened the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market in Onitsha, following pressure from social media influencer VDM, who exposed the alleged extortion of ₦700,000 from traders as a condition for reopening.
VDM, who shared the latest update today, revealed that the market has now been reopened, but not without consequences. According to him, some businessmen who appeared in his previous video at the market have allegedly been arrested by NAFDAC operatives, who suspect they were the ones that invited him to investigate and expose the situation.
But VDM has strongly refuted that claim.
> “I don’t know any of those traders personally,” he said in a video update. “The person who even brought the market issue to my attention is a lady who doesn’t even live in Onitsha.”
He went further to explain that his visit to Ọgbọ Ọgwụ was his first time ever in Anambra State, and that he had no prior contact with anyone at the market.
> “When I was told about the situation, I asked how to get there. I landed in Asaba Airport, alone, and asked people how to find Ọgbọ Ọgwụ. They gave me directions, and I had to hire a Sienna to take me there.”
VDM called on NAFDAC to release those who were arrested, stating that if they believe he broke the law, they should come for him directly, not go after innocent businessmen.
> “If you think I broke the law, arrest me when I return to Nigeria — don’t punish people who have nothing to do with me.”
He also sent a strong message to the Chairman of Ọgbọ Ọgwụ Market, urging him to retrace his steps and stop working against the interests of the traders he represents.
> “You’re supposed to protect your people, not betray them for your own benefit. I know many of your moves, but I won’t go into details. Just do the right thing.”
✊🏽 This is a win for the people — but the fight for accountability is not over.
The reopening of Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market is a victory for traders who depend on it for their livelihoods, but concerns remain about intimidation, arrests, and lack of transparency in how the situation was handled.
