By Sophia Afolabi

In a decisive crackdown on fraud and impersonation, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed off the premises of a rogue organisation operating under the name Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (CCPIN) in Aba, Abia State.

Acting on solid intelligence, FCCPC operatives, backed by law enforcement agents, stormed No. 214 Aba-Owerri Road on Wednesday, dismantling a fraudulent setup that had been duping the public under the guise of a consumer protection NGO.

According to a statement issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at FCCPC, CCPIN had been falsely parading itself as a government-backed consumer watchdog. The group went as far as issuing public notices claiming joint surveillance operations with FCCPC and collecting consumer complaints via unofficial phone lines.

“The entity had no legal standing or affiliation with the FCCPC. It was a calculated scheme to mislead and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians,” Ijagwu stated.

During the sting, authorities arrested the group’s operator, Amb. Dr. Onwuka K. Okorie, who is now in police custody at World Bank Police Station, Abayi-Aba. The commission also confiscated forged materials — including documents, logos, and false enforcement paraphernalia bearing FCCPC insignia.

“This is impersonation, pure and simple,” the commission said. “And it won’t be tolerated.”

The FCCPC emphasized that it does not delegate enforcement powers to NGOs or individuals without formal legal authorization. It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to confirm the legitimacy of any enforcement or consumer-related communication directly with the Commission.

“Any sealing notice, press release, or consumer campaign not coming through our official channels is a red flag,” Ijagwu warned.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to stamping out fraud and safeguarding Nigerian consumers from deception and exploitation, declaring this just one of many operations aimed at cleaning up the space.