The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has accused popular social media influencer Very Dark Man (VDM) of collaborating with fake drug dealers to incite the public against the agency in an attempt to evade the law
In a viral video, VDM was seen joining protesting traders at Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State, claiming NAFDAC officials were demanding bribes before allowing them to reopen shops shut during the agency’s crackdown on counterfeit and unsafe medicines. The traders alleged they were forced to pay between N500,000 and N700,000 to resume business.
However, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye clarified in a statement that the market was officially reopened on March 9, 2025. Over 2,500 traders with 3,500 shops have complied with regulatory procedures and resumed operations at Ogbogwu market. Only a few shops remain closed because their owners have refused to identify themselves, and these outlets reportedly stock banned narcotics.
She further explained that, following intervention by state governments, traders were given a grace period to relocate to a monitored Coordinated Warehouse Centre. This move aims to ensure compliance while holding traders accountable for previous violations, serving as a deterrent under existing regulations.
Addressing the video, NAFDAC warned the public and security agencies about the social media incitement, which could breach the Cybercrime Act. The DG accused VDM of encouraging his followers to defy NAFDAC’s regulatory efforts amid ongoing enforcement by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“The cartel and their accomplices are stirring unrest to distract from the real issues and avoid prosecution for crimes against humanity,” Adeyeye said. She added that the agency would leave it to law enforcement to decide if VDM violated any laws, especially regarding the production of potentially inciting content.
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