Ondo Government Warns Against Fake FCCPC Officials Extorting Traders

AKURE, ONDO STATE - The Ondo State Government has raised the alarm over the activities of organisations allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), accusing them of extorting traders, sealing business premises and harassing business owners across the state.

The government, through the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA), warned that individuals or organisations found involved in such activities could face investigation and prosecution.

The agency said it had received reports that some organisations operating in different parts of Ondo State were allegedly presenting themselves as FCCPC officials, demanding payments from business owners, sealing shops and intimidating traders.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, 2026, and signed by ODCCPA Executive Chairman Oluyemi Fasipe, the agency described the reported activities as unauthorised.

‘No NGO Is Authorised to Act as FCCPC’

Fasipe stressed that the FCCPC is a federal government institution established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), and that only duly authorised commission officials with valid identification can conduct official FCCPC operations.

“The FCCPC is a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA). No NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the FCCPC,” Fasipe stated.

He explained that the ODCCPA is the legally established state agency responsible for competition and consumer protection matters in Ondo State under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.

While the state agency works with the FCCPC and other relevant authorities, Fasipe warned that any organisation unlawfully presenting itself as either the FCCPC or ODCCPA would be operating outside the law.

Traders Allegedly Targeted Over ‘FCCPC Registration’

The warning follows reports that individuals claiming to represent the FCCPC have allegedly approached shop owners, supermarket operators and traders demanding payments described as “FCCPC registration” fees or a “consumer protection levy.”

The ODCCPA said such collections were not authorised by the agency.

“Such activities are unauthorised and may constitute extortion, fraud and criminal impersonation,” the agency said.

The agency directed organisations allegedly involved in the reported activities to stop immediately.

It also warned that the Ondo State Government would not tolerate impersonation, extortion, harassment or other conduct capable of misleading members of the public.

Suspects Face Possible Prosecution

Fasipe said individuals or organisations found impersonating FCCPC or ODCCPA officials or unlawfully collecting money in the name of either agency would be referred to law enforcement authorities.

“Henceforth, any individual or organisation found impersonating officials of the FCCPC or ODCCPA, or unlawfully collecting money in the name of either agency, will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution in accordance with applicable laws,” he stated.

The warning places traders and business owners across Ondo State on notice as authorities move to distinguish legitimate consumer protection enforcement from alleged fraudulent activities.

ODCCPA Urges Traders to Verify Officials

The agency urged supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the identity and authority of anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official or demanding payment on behalf of the commission.

Members of the public were advised to report suspected impersonators to the ODCCPA or the nearest police station.

The agency emphasized that legitimate FCCPC enforcement activities in Ondo State would be coordinated with the relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.

“The ODCCPA, under the leadership of the Ondo State Government, is committed to working closely with the FCCPC and other relevant agencies,” Fasipe stated.

The agency said it would continue working to protect consumers and businesses while promoting what it described as a fair, safe and transparent marketplace.

For traders, the warning carries a simple message: verify before you pay, and report anyone demanding money in the name of the FCCPC or ODCCPA without proper authorization.