The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has come out strongly against allegations of corruption surrounding its recent enforcement activities at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market, blaming social media influencer “Very Dark Man” for allegedly spreading misinformation and inciting public distrust.
In a statement NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, dismissed viral claims that traders were being extorted by agency officials in exchange for reopening their shops, describing the allegations as “misleading” and “dangerous.”
“The market was officially reopened as of March 9, 2025, and over 2,500 traders operating in 3,500 shops have since resumed business after fulfilling the necessary regulatory requirements,” Adeyeye stated.
While acknowledging that some shops remain sealed, Adeyeye clarified that these are linked to NAFDAC’s database of banned narcotics and that the shop owners had yet to comply with the required clearance processes.
The clampdown, which has triggered a wave of online commentary, was part of a coordinated effort supported by state governments and national security directives. Traders were reportedly given a grace period to relocate to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre designed to enhance compliance and oversight.
“Rather than cooperate with law enforcement, this influencer has chosen to incite the public and promote defiance of regulatory processes,” Adeyeye said, warning that the actions of “Very Dark Man” may amount to a breach of the Cybercrime Act.
She further revealed that the matter has been handed over to security agencies to determine if legal actions are warranted against the social media personality.
NAFDAC called on the public to be cautious of viral content that could distort the facts and undermine ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.
“This is a public health issue, not a popularity contest,” Adeyeye emphasized.
The agency maintained that its enforcement was targeted at eliminating fake and substandard drugs, which pose a grave risk to the lives of Nigerians.
