Mirian Gom 
ONITSHA, Nigeria – Traders at Onitsha’s Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market dismiss claims that ₦265 million worth of fake drugs were recently discovered in the market, describing the allegation as misleading and damaging.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chukwuleta Ndubuisi, last week claims he handed over counterfeit drugs worth ₦265 million to NAFDAC. However, traders under the group Concerned and Genuine Members of Ogbo-Ogwu Market say the items were expired medicines voluntarily submitted for disposal.
Coordinator Emmanuel Ozoemena in a press conference on Tuesday insisted the products were not fake. “They were expired drugs willingly surrendered through our union office for proper disposal,” he says.
Ozoemena accuses Ndubuisi of spreading misinformation to gain political favour, warning that the claims have slashed customer confidence and patronage. “As we speak, we have lost over 60 per cent of our customers to Aba, Lagos and Kano.”
The group challenges Ndubuisi to present evidence within two weeks or face legal action, alleging harassment by security agencies and NAFDAC officials.
The traders appeal to Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to dissolve the caretaker committee and conduct fresh elections, warning that continued controversy threatens livelihoods and public trust.
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Korede Abdullah 
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