I stand in full support of the ongoing efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to eliminate counterfeit drugs from Nigerian markets. The production and distribution of fake drugs by unscrupulous individuals, who profit at the expense of innocent lives, is an evil that must be eradicated. Every well-meaning Nigerian should applaud this bold initiative.

However, while the fight against fake drugs is crucial, it must be executed with fairness and precision. In my previous writings, I have consistently emphasized the need for proper profiling of offenders, their enablers, and conspirators ? a critical area where our security agencies often fall short. Wrongly punishing innocent citizens for crimes they know nothing about has severe consequences, both legally and morally.

The Principle of Justice ? Protecting the Innocent:

The importance of ensuring that only the guilty are punished is well-established in legal philosophy. As far back as 1769, the English jurist William Blackstone articulated a fundamental legal principle: ?It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.?

This doctrine was later echoed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1895, which reaffirmed that it is more just for a crime to go unpunished than for an innocent person to be wrongfully condemned. These perspectives underscore the necessity of meticulous investigations before imposing punitive measures.

Allegations Against Security Operatives at Onitsha Drug Market

Disturbing reports have emerged regarding alleged looting and other criminal activities carried out by security operatives stationed at Ogbogwu Market. The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) recently raised alarm over these troubling developments, calling on NAFDAC to account for hundreds of millions of naira worth of goods allegedly stolen during security raids. A petition addressing these concerns was sent to:

The NAF?AC Director General, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, and other relevant authorities.

To date, there has been no public response from the recipients, further fueling concerns about transparency and accountability.

The Need for a Balanced Approach

InterSociety has also warned of serious socio-security consequences arising from the continued closure of the Onitsha Drug Market and six adjoining markets. Anambra State is already grappling with security challenges, and keeping traders out of business for an extended period could exacerbate economic hardship and instability.

A comparable operation in Lagos Drug Market was reportedly completed swiftly, with the market reopened to genuine traders. Importantly, there were no reported cases of shop break-ins because NAFDAC took a structured approach to profiling and dealing with criminals. This demonstrates that law enforcement can be both firm and fair ? rooting out offenders without punishing the innocent.

A Call for Immediate Action

I urge NAFDAC to refine its investigative methods by utilizing the existing surveillance cameras in the Onitsha Drug Market to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Innocent traders should not be made to suffer due to the actions of a criminal minority.

Additionally, the allegations of looting and unlawful shop break-ins by security operatives must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. Justice cannot be served through illegality.

A Final Plea to Criminal Elements

To those involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs, I make this urgent plea: Desist now!!!

Your actions send thousands of innocent souls to their early graves. This is one of the most grievous crimes imaginable, deserving the harshest punishments under the law.

NAFDAC?s mission to rid Nigeria of fake drugs is one we must all support. However, this fight must be carried out with fairness, justice, and due process. I, therefore, lend my voice to the call for the immediate reopening of Onitsha Drug Market, while ensuring that only the guilty face the full weight of the law.

?Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC) is a distinguished Anambra son and an Abuja-based legal practitioner.

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