Traders at Agboedo United Market F Line in Nnewi, Anambra State, staged a protest on Thursday, accusing officials of the Nnewi North Local Government Area of imposing illegal levies, intimidation, and threats of eviction. The demonstration, which led to a total shutdown of the market, saw traders brandishing placards with messages such as “Stop Extortion Now” and “We Want Justice,” highlighting their frustration over alleged systemic exploitation.
The traders, many of whom have operated in the market for over 30 years, claimed local government chairman Hon. Echezona Anazodo and his associates have demanded unauthorized fees far exceeding approved levies. Specific allegations include demands for ₦4.5 million to ₦5 million per shop as penalties for late payments, with widows in the Oduigbo section reportedly forced to pay ₦20,000 for unclear “revalidation” processes.
Mrs. Augustina Azubuike, a trader, lamented the toll on retirees and vulnerable groups: “These shops are our retirement savings. How can we pay ₦4.5 million? This extortion will kill us.” Traders also flagged a suspicious Access Bank account (1910999891, BOLTEV NIG LTD), where 360 shops in the Ogbo rice section were directed to deposit ₦4.5 million each, totaling ₦1.62 billion. They criticized the lack of receipts and legal basis for the levies, insinuating political sabotage to undermine Governor Chukwuma Soludo ahead of elections.
While praising Soludo’s broader reforms, the protesters urged him to intervene, warning that failure to address the issue could spark mass voter dissent. They also challenged the local government to prioritize infrastructure like erosion control and road repairs over “harassment.”
No official response has been issued by Anazodo’s office, but the traders hope their outcry will prompt state action to halt the alleged extortion and protect their livelihoods.
