Nigeria: FCCPC Shuts Down Fraudulent Consumer Protection Entity in Abia State

In a decisive move to safeguard regulatory credibility and protect consumers, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), in coordination with law enforcement authorities, has sealed off an unauthorized organisation operating under the guise of a consumer protection body in Aba, Abia State.

The enforcement action took place at 214 Aba-Owerri Road, where operatives shut down the illegal outfit known as the Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (CCPIN). The operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the entity was falsely claiming affiliation with the FCCPC and misleading the public by posing as an “Authorized Consumer Protection NGO.”

According to the Commission, CCPIN had been circulating deceptive public notices, falsely alleging joint surveillance exercises with the FCCPC, while also soliciting consumer complaints via unapproved telephone lines. These actions not only breached the Commission’s protocols but also posed a serious threat to public trust in Nigeria’s consumer protection ecosystem.

During the operation, the principal operator, Amb. Dr. Onwuka K. Okorie, was apprehended at the premises and is currently in police custody at the World Bank Police Station in Abayi-Aba, pending further investigation and prosecution.

Regulatory officials recovered several falsified documents and materials bearing the FCCPC’s name, logo, and enforcement insignia, all of which were being used to impersonate the Commission and mislead unsuspecting consumers.

In a strong rebuttal, the FCCPC stated unequivocally that it has no affiliation with CCPIN or any similarly styled organisations and has not delegated any enforcement or consumer protection authority to non-governmental entities or private individuals without lawful backing.

“The FCCPC does not engage external organisations for enforcement operations without formal legal authorisation,” the statement read. “We remain committed to regulatory transparency, consumer protection, and the preservation of market integrity.”

The Commission also urged the public to disregard any sealing notices, public campaigns, or consumer advisory materials issued by CCPIN or its representatives. Consumers seeking to verify the authenticity of any FCCPC-related enforcement or correspondence are encouraged to use official communication channels:

• Hotlines: 08056002020, 08056003030

• Website: www.fccpc.gov.ng

• Social Media: @fccpcnigeria

This enforcement reinforces the FCCPC’s zero-tolerance stance against impersonation, fraudulent regulatory claims, and actions that compromise Nigeria’s consumer protection framework.