A clip that has gone viral on social media captures a heated exchange in Delta State when a male bystander confronted police officers after they demanded a NAFDAC registration number from a woman transporting locally made zobo drinks for sale. The incident unfolded on a public road, and the video quickly spread across platforms, sparking debate about the limits of police powers.
What did the officers ask for?
The officers stopped the businesswoman and questioned her about the bottles of zobo she was carrying. Unsatisfied with her explanations, they insisted she produce a valid National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number and proper product labeling before allowing her to continue.
What was the officer’s exact wording?
One of the police officers is heard saying, "This thing is supposed to have NAFDAC number. Does this thing have NAFDAC number? As a policeman, don’t I have the right to ask?" The statement reflects the officers’ belief that they were within their remit to verify regulatory compliance.
How did the bystander respond?
A man standing nearby stepped forward and challenged the officers, arguing that checking for a NAFDAC number falls outside the statutory jurisdiction of the Nigeria Police Force. He asserted that the police do not have the legal authority to enforce food‑drug registration requirements, which are the domain of the regulatory agency.
Background on NAFDAC’s role
NAFDAC is the federal body responsible for ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics and other consumables meet safety standards in Nigeria. Companies must obtain a registration number and display it on product labels before their goods can be marketed legally.
Why the controversy?
The confrontation highlights a recurring tension between law‑enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies. While police may intervene in cases of suspected illegal trade, the enforcement of NAFDAC registration is typically carried out by the agency’s inspectors, not by uniformed officers.
Public reaction
The video, originally posted on Instagram by Linda Ikeji’s blog, has amassed thousands of views and comments. Many netizens have expressed support for the man’s stance, calling for clearer guidelines on the police’s role in regulatory matters, while others defend the officers’ attempt to curb the sale of unregistered products.
The clip continues to circulate, prompting discussions about consumer safety, regulatory enforcement, and the proper scope of police authority in Nigeria.