The Ondo State Government has warned traders and business owners against organisations allegedly posing as officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to extort money and harass businesses across the state.
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency said it had received complaints about groups allegedly moving around different parts of the state, demanding payments from traders, sealing business premises and intimidating business owners while claiming to represent the FCCPC.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, 2026, the Executive Chairman of the ODCCPA, Oluyemi Fasipe, described the activities as unauthorised and warned that anyone found involved would face investigation and possible prosecution.
Fasipe explained that the FCCPC is a federal government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, adding that only authorised officials with valid identification can conduct activities on behalf of the commission.
“The FCCPC is a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. No NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the FCCPC,” he stated.
He also clarified that the ODCCPA is the legally recognised state agency responsible for competition and consumer protection matters in Ondo State under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.
According to him, while the agency collaborates with the FCCPC and other relevant authorities, any organisation falsely presenting itself as either agency would be acting outside the law.
The warning followed reports of individuals allegedly collecting money from shop owners, supermarket operators and traders under descriptions such as “FCCPC registration” and “consumer protection levy.”
The ODCCPA said neither of the alleged collections was authorised by the agency, warning that such activities could amount to extortion, fraud and criminal impersonation.
The agency ordered those involved to immediately stop the activities and warned that the state government would not tolerate acts of impersonation, harassment or extortion.
Fasipe said anyone found impersonating FCCPC or ODCCPA officials or collecting money illegally in the name of either agency would be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The agency urged market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders, supermarket operators and other business owners to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official.
It advised members of the public to report suspected impersonators to the ODCCPA or the nearest police station.
The agency further stated that genuine FCCPC enforcement operations in Ondo State would be coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.
It assured businesses and consumers that the state government would continue working with the FCCPC and other agencies to protect consumer rights and promote a fair and transparent business environment.
