The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its recent enforcement activities at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market, warning that viral videos by controversial influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), may incite unrest and violate the Cybercrime Act.
In a statement released on Monday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, dismissed the influencer’s allegations that the agency demanded ₦700,000 from each shop owner to reopen their stores, describing the claims as misleading and potentially dangerous.
NAFDAC clarified that its enforcement operation, carried out between February 9 and March 27, 2025, targeted the sale of unregistered, expired, banned, substandard, and falsified medicines in major open drug markets, including Onitsha, Idumota in Lagos, and Ariaria in Aba. The raids led to the seizure and destruction of drugs worth over ₦1 trillion.
According to the agency, the crackdown was necessary because the affected markets failed to meet Good Storage and Distribution Practices and did not comply with regulations under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
“The market reopened on March 9, 2025, and over 2,500 traders in 3,500 shops who complied with regulatory procedures have resumed normal activities at Ogbogwu Market,” the statement read.
NAFDAC further revealed that the remaining shops still under lock and key are linked to the illegal trade in banned narcotics, noting that some of the traders behind the incitement are part of a cartel attempting to evade justice.
“These individuals are responsible for incitements aimed at diverting attention from the real issues to avoid facing consequences for their crimes against humanity,” NAFDAC said.
The agency also warned that the video content shared by VeryDarkMan could breach the Cybercrime Act and has referred the matter to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.
“The influencer has openly encouraged his audience to defy NAFDAC’s regulatory processes… The agency will allow law enforcement to determine if he has violated any laws, particularly regarding incitement through video content,” it added.
NAFDAC assured the public that it remains committed to protecting the health of Nigerians by ensuring only quality, safe, and effective medical products are circulated in the country.
It urged law-abiding citizens and compliant traders to go about their normal activities, warning that those involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs will be prosecuted accordingly.
