FCCPC Clamps Down On  Impersonators Of Its Operations In Aba

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has urged members of the public to be wary of the activities of fraudulent bodies impersonating its operations across the country.

The warning is coming on the heels of the Agency’s sealing of the operational office of an Aba based outfit, Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria CCPIN, for allegedly impersonating the Commission ,and deceiving the public.

In a statement issued on Thursday May 15, 2025 by its spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said in addition to shutting down the office of the illegal consumer regulatory body, also effected the arrest of the operators.

According to the FCCPC, the illegal body, CCPIN, which was operating from 214 Aba-Owerri Road Aba, has been claiming to be an authorized Consumer Protection advocacy group affiliated with the FCCPC.

The Commission further noted that the illegal body had been issuing notices of joint surveillance and operational activities with the FCCPC, as well as requesting consumers’ complaints through  unauthorized and unofficial contact phone lines.

The regulatory agency informed that its intervention was sequel to the receipt of actionable intelligence regarding the activities of the illegal outfit.

“The FCCPC’s action followed credible intelligence that CCPIN was falsely claiming. affiliation with the Commission ,and misleading the public by representing itself as an Authorized Consumer Protection NGO of the FCCPC.

“The entity had issued public notices claiming joint surveillance operations with FCCPC ,and was soliciting consumer. complaints through unauthorized telephone lines.

“During the operation, the operator of the facility, Amb. Dr Onwuka K. Okorie was arrested on-site and is currently in police custody at World Bank Police Station, Abayi Aba, Abia State pending further investigation and prosecution.

“A number of exhibits bearing FCCPC’s name, logo and false enforcement materials were recovered from the premises.

“Enforcement officers also recovered several items from the premises ,including documents and materials bearing the FCCPC’s identity, as well as counterfeit enforcement notices”, the Commission stated.

Accordingly, the FCCPC categorically dissociated itself from the activities of the CCPIN, while also noting that it never authorized or partnered  with it in the discharge of its duties.

The Commission  emphasized it does not, in any way, delegate its activities to NGO’s, private entities, or individuals without formal legal processes.