* Arrests operator
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered and sealed an illegal outfit operating under the name Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (CCPIN) in Aba, Abia State.
According to the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the illegal entity was discovered at No. 214 Aba-Owerri Road, Aba, and was shut down on Wednesday in a joint operation with law enforcement agencies.
Ijagwu said the Commission acted on credible intelligence that CCPIN had been falsely claiming affiliation with the FCCPC and deceiving the public by posing as an “Authorised Consumer Protection NGO” of the Commission.
The group allegedly issued public notices suggesting joint surveillance operations with the FCCPC and solicited consumer complaints through unauthorised telephone lines.
During the raid, the operator of the facility, identified as Amb. Dr. Onwuka K. Okorie, was arrested on-site.
Exhibits bearing the FCCPC’s name, logo, and forged enforcement materials were recovered from the premises. Ijagwu added that the suspect is currently in police custody at the World Bank Police Station, Abayi-Aba, pending further investigation and prosecution.
Disassociating itself from the illegal organisation, the Commission stated, “The FCCPC neither authorises nor partners with CCPIN or any similarly styled organisation for enforcement or consumer protection operations and does not delegate such powers to NGOs, private entities, or individuals without formal legal authorisation.”
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and to upholding consumer protection and market integrity.
It urged the public to disregard any announcements, sealing notices, or campaigns issued by CCPIN or its representatives.
“For verification of any enforcement activity or communication, members of the public are advised to contact the FCCPC via its official hotlines: 08056002020 and 08056003030. Official updates and announcements can also be verified through the Commission’s website, www.fccpc.gov.ng, or social media handles (@fccpcnigeria),” he added in a statement.