Ondo agency threatens prosecution of fake FCCPC officials

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency has threatened legal action against individuals and organisations allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to extort traders across the state.

The agency said it had received complaints about some non-governmental organisations allegedly visiting shops, supermarkets and markets to collect money from business owners under the guise of FCCPC registration and consumer protection levies.

The Executive Chairman of the ODCCPA, Oluyemi Fasipe, disclosed this in a statement issued Friday, describing the alleged activities as unauthorised and potentially criminal.

Fasipe said only duly accredited FCCPC personnel with valid identification were authorised to conduct official activities on behalf of the federal commission, while the ODCCPA remained the legally established state agency for competition and consumer protection matters in Ondo.

He warned that anyone found impersonating an FCCPC or ODCCPA official or demanding payments in the name of either agency would be reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.

The chairman urged traders, supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas and other residents to reject unauthorised payment demands and report suspicious individuals or groups to the ODCCPA or the nearest police station.

Fasipe said complaints could also be lodged with his office through 0706 287 7740, adding that legitimate enforcement activities involving the FCCPC would be coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.

The ODCCPA assured businesses and consumers in the state of continued protection against harassment, intimidation and extortion, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting a fair and transparent marketplace.