‘Ex-market chairman not detained’
Former chairman of Building Materials Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr Obiora Okoro, is not in police detention, The Nation has learnt. Stakeholders at the market described the speculation by some
Former chairman of Building Materials Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr Obiora Okoro, is not in police detention, The Nation has learnt.
Stakeholders at the market described the speculation by some online media outlets as misleading and have clarified the circumstances behind such insinuations.
However, a caretaker Chairman, Umeh Tochukwu, has been appointed to take over the running of the market.
A section of traders operating under the banner of Elders’ Forum had accused Nigeria Police Force, Special Investigation Unit (SIU), Abuja, of unlawfully detaining Okoro and called for the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
The Nation sources at the market have confirmed that Okoro is no longer in detention, contrary to some claims.
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The sources said he was granted bail, but was unable to meet the stipulated bail conditions at the time.
It was further revealed that the controversies surrounding Okoro’s travails were beyond mere leadership disputes.
It was gathered that the former chairman and his executive members had earlier been formally dissolved following unresolved administrative and governance concerns within the market union.
Subsequently, Anambra State Government approved the inauguration of a caretaker committee to restore order and ensure proper coordination of market affairs, with Mr. Tochukwu Umeh appointed as chairman.
Despite the dissolution and the state government’s inauguration of a caretaker committee, the former chairman allegedly continued to parade himself as chairman, creating tension and division within the market community.
The crisis reportedly escalated when he allegedly supervised demolition of certain structures within the market without the consent of the duly inaugurated caretaker committee or the recognised landowners, the Modebe family.
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During the demolition, traders reportedly suffered losses, as goods were said to have been destroyed.
One of the stakeholders, who preferred anonymity, said: “The issue is not about rewriting any agreement as claimed in some reports. The former chairman had already been dissolved along with his executives.
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“Government inaugurated a caretaker committee to restore order. He refused to comply and went ahead with demolition activities without approval.
There are also weighty allegations against him that cannot simply be ignored. Law enforcement agents were invited based on petitions, not for intimidation.
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“It is unfortunate that some online outlets rushed to the press without confirming whether he was still in detention or understanding the nature of the allegations.
“The public deserve balanced reporting, not sympathy-driven headlines.”
Observers note that the dispute underscores the importance of respecting constituted authorities within market unions, adhering to due process and allowing investigative agencies to carry out their responsibilities without sensationalism.
As the matter continues to unfold, stakeholders have called for calm, urging traders and the public to allow lawful processes take their course in the interest of stability, justice and sustained commercial activities at Ozomagana Market, Onitsha.
