Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the alleged demolition of commercial buildings, threats to their lives and a long-running dispute over the ownership and leadership of a market plaza.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, members of the Association of Modebeb Traders said they had suffered nearly two years of harassment and intimidation by people they accused of using connections in the security agencies to threaten them.

Their spokesman, Chief Okey Muojekwu, said the crisis had disrupted businesses and left members fearing for their safety.
He alleged that four buildings, including those at numbers 77 and 79, were pulled down in 2025, leaving traders with heavy losses.

He also alleged that property documents were altered or forged to transfer ownership from Osumakan Model Ventures, and urged the authorities to verify the records and establish the legitimate owners.
Muojekwu accused some police personnel, including officers of an anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, of being used to intimidate traders. He said suspected thugs recently stabbed him with a knife.

He escaped and reported the attack to the police, but said no effective action had followed and threats had continued.
The traders also cited the case of Chris Okon, who they said was beaten at his home and taken away with a woman.

According to Muojekwu, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before her release.
They called on the IGP to investigate the allegations, protect those affected and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.

The row also involves a struggle over the leadership of the market association. Association chairman Mr Tochukwu Umeh said it stemmed from the Anambra State Government’s decision to remove some market leaders.
He alleged that some of those affected still occupy leadership positions, arguing that they were elected by market members.

He said the dispute had fuelled tension, harassment allegations and disruptions to market administration.
A patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, alleged separately that some individuals had taken over shops without due process and were trying to push out recognised traders and leaders.

He said some traders had been removed or threatened with eviction without notice, and that those responsible boasted of police backing and of acting without consequences.
Oguejiofor said the matter was reported to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, and that the traders also sought the intervention of the relevant market association.

He claimed some individuals were arrested and held for about a week, only for the alleged activities to resume after their release.
He added that state officials in charge of trade and commerce reportedly advised the traders to comply with the government’s decision on the affected leaders.

The traders appealed to the police and government authorities to step in, investigate the allegations and help restore normal business.
They said they wanted a peaceful resolution, protection of their rights and an end to the alleged intimidation.

The allegations could not be independently verified, and no response from the police or the accused individuals was included in the account provided.