Traders operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking an investigation into alleged threats to their lives, demolition of commercial buildings and the disputed takeover of shops.
The traders said a protracted dispute over property ownership and market leadership had subjected members to nearly two years of alleged intimidation, disrupted businesses and heightened fears for their safety.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Chief Okey Muojekwu, who represented the traders, alleged that some individuals involved in the dispute used purported connections with security agencies to intimidate association members.
Muojekwu said four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished in 2025, resulting in losses for affected traders and deepening the dispute.
He called on the police to investigate alleged forgery or alteration of property documents reportedly used to transfer ownership from Osumakan Model Ventures.
He urged the authorities to examine the relevant records and establish the legitimate ownership of the disputed properties.
The traders also accused some police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, of allegedly being used to harass and intimidate members.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no police response was available at the time of the report.
Muojekwu further alleged that he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who stabbed him with a knife. He said he escaped and reported the incident to the police but was dissatisfied with the response, claiming those responsible had yet to face effective action.
He alleged that threats against members had continued despite the complaint.
The association also raised concerns over the alleged beating and removal of a man identified as Chris Okon from his residence alongside a woman.
According to Muojekwu, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before being released. The circumstances surrounding the incident could not be independently established.
Beyond the property dispute, the traders said disagreements over market leadership had further escalated tensions.
The association’s chairman, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, alleged that some individuals had continued to occupy leadership positions despite a reported decision by the Anambra State Government to remove them.
Umeh maintained that the affected leaders had been elected by market members, arguing that the disagreement had contributed to allegations of harassment and disruptions to market administration.
A market patron, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, separately alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without due process and were attempting to displace recognised traders and market leaders.
He said some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice.
Oguejiofor also alleged that individuals involved in the dispute had boasted of their connections with the police and their ability to act without consequences.
He said the traders had reported the matter to the state Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer and sought intervention from the relevant market association.
According to him, some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which the alleged activities resumed.
He added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly advised them to comply with the government’s decision concerning the affected market leaders.
The traders urged the IGP and relevant government authorities to investigate the competing claims, protect affected members and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
They said their objective was to secure a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protect their property and livelihoods, and end the alleged intimidation.
The allegations concerning property ownership, demolition, assault, detention and police involvement have not been independently verified. The police and other parties implicated were not represented in the account presented by the traders.
