Exposed: Claims of Anti-Tout,Sister Security Agencies Involvement in Ochanja ESDA Incident False

By Karen James

The attention of the public has been drawn to a publication circulating across social and online media platforms alleging violent involvement of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (Agụnechemba), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other sister security agencies in an incident purportedly linked to leadership disputes at the Emordi Shoe Dealers Association (ESDA), Ochanja Market, Onitsha.

Following a careful review, verification process, and independent investigation, it has become evident that the said publication was not founded on proper journalistic inquiry, credible fact-checking, or on-the-ground verification.
The report relied largely on unverified claims, conjecture, and hearsay, leading to a gross misrepresentation of events and the false attribution of actions to sister security agencies that were neither present at nor involved in the incident.

The statement reads in full:
We state categorically that no official personnel of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (Agụnechemba), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), or any other sister security agency were deployed or involved in the alleged incident of December 23, 2025, contrary to claims widely circulated in the disputed publication.
The publication appears deliberately crafted to misinform the public, heighten tensions within the market community, and create unnecessary friction between the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies operating in Anambra State. Such conduct runs contrary to the principles of ethical journalism and responsible public-interest reporting.
This disclaimer is issued in the interest of truth, public peace, professional journalism, and to curb the spread of misinformation capable of undermining security coordination and social harmony in Anambra State.
CORRECT REPORT: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED
Anambra Government Reaffirms Caretaker System at ESDA; No Sister Security Agency Involvement Recorded
Contrary to widely circulated reports alleging violent clashes involving multiple security agencies at the Emordi Shoe Dealers Association (ESDA), Ochanja Market, Onitsha, investigations confirm that no such incident occurred involving the Special Anti-Touting Squad (Agụnechemba), the NSCDC, or any other sister security agency on December 23, 2025.
Findings reveal that the Anambra State Government, through the President-General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna (Onwa), issued an official Caretaker Committee Certificate for ESDA in accordance with the state government’s standing directive suspending all market union elections statewide.
The certificate was duly signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Hon. Evaristus Uba, in line with the policy of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, which mandates that markets across the state operate under caretaker committees pending further directives.
The caretaker appointment named Mr. Sunday Ezumesu as Caretaker Chairman of ESDA. The process and related activities were conducted peacefully, with no record of violence, injuries, or market disruption.
On the same date—December 23, 2025—traders operating along Jesus the King Line of ESDA were gathered for a birthday celebration in honour of the wife of Chief Nwabueze Friday Umeh, popularly known as Ofia. At the time, routine commercial activities, including the offloading of goods, were ongoing within the vicinity.
Eyewitness accounts and available video evidence confirm that no operatives of Agụnechemba, NSCDC, or any other sister security agency were present in the market on that day.
Tension reportedly arose only when Hon. Okwudili Anigbogu arrived at the location accompanied by police officers and commenced the arrest of traders and labourers, allegedly for refusing to recognize him as Chairman of ESDA. This action disrupted ongoing commercial activities.
During the incident, the wife of Chief Umeh reportedly questioned the arrest of her workers. A confrontation subsequently ensued, during which witnesses allege that she was slapped by both a police officer and Hon. Anigbogu, provoking reactions from workers present at the scene.
Crucially, independent verification confirms that claims alleging the involvement of anti-tout operatives, Agụnechemba personnel, or NSCDC officers are entirely false. These allegations are unsupported by evidence, official deployment records, or credible eyewitness testimony.
As an investigative journalist, Amb. Karen James confirms being in possession of video evidence documenting the sequence of events and clearly establishing that no sister security agency participated in, supervised, or facilitated the incident.
She further cautioned journalists and media practitioners against publishing unverified claims capable of damaging professional credibility, inflaming public sentiment, or creating avoidable security tensions.
“Journalism must be guided by facts, balance, and verification. Reporting driven by gossip, inducement, or personal interest undermines public trust and endangers the integrity of the profession,”

Public Notice

Members of the public are advised to disregard the earlier report alleging violent involvement of sister security agencies, as it has been found to be grossly inaccurate and misleading. Authorities and responsible media stakeholders are urged to rely solely on verified information in the interest of peace, professionalism, and public accountability.