Ondo Cracks Down on Fake FCCPC Officials Extorting Traders

The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has warned Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) against impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Mr Oluyemi Fasipe, Executive Chairman of ODCCPA, issued the warning in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure, urging the affected NGOs to "desist or face prosecution."

Fasipe said the agency had received reports of some NGOs allegedly parading themselves as FCCPC officials, extorting traders, sealing business premises and harassing business owners across the state.

"The FCCPC is a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA). No NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the commission. Only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the commission," he said.

He explained that within Ondo State, ODCCPA is the legally established agency responsible for competition and consumer protection matters under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026, and works in collaboration with the FCCPC and other relevant authorities to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices in the state.

"Some of the NGOs are collecting money from shop owners, supermarket operators and traders under the guise of 'FCCPC registration or consumer protection levy'," he said.

The chairman described such activities as unauthorised, noting that they could amount to extortion, fraud and criminal impersonation. He said any individual or organisation found impersonating officials of the FCCPC or ODCCPA, or unlawfully collecting money in either agency's name, would be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.

"Supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and members of the public should report anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official or demanding payment on behalf of the commission," he said.

He assured traders, businesses and consumers in the state of the agency's commitment to protecting their rights and ensuring a fair, safe and transparent marketplace, adding that any legitimate joint operation or enforcement activity involving the FCCPC in Ondo State would be properly coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.