FCCPC Shuts Down Abuja Chinese Supermarket As Owner Flees

FCCPC shut down an Abuja-based Chinese supermarket following allegations of discrimination against Nigerians.

The closure came after the owner, Cindy Liu Bei, reportedly fled the premises, prompting FCCPC’s intervention to ensure accountability and address the discriminatory practices.

In response to allegations of discriminatory practices against Nigerians, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took decisive action by sealing off an Abuja-based Chinese supermarket.

VerseNews reports that the establishment, located within the China General Chamber of Commerce, faced closure after accusations surfaced of denying entry to Nigerian patrons.

The FCCPC’s enforcement team, led by Director for Surveillance and Investigation Boladale Adeyinka, arrived at the supermarket on Monday following widespread condemnation of its discriminatory policy.

According to reports, the supermarket’s owner, identified as Cindy Liu Bei, had fled the premises earlier in the day with her family, as captured on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage.

Upon arrival, FCCPC officials found the supermarket padlocked externally, indicating recent closure. Adeyinka confirmed that CCTV footage corroborated reports of the owner’s departure.

Speaking at the end of the enforcement exercise, Adeyinka affirmed that the owner of the supermarket, Cindy Liu Bei, fled on Monday at 8:26 am with her family as confirmed on the Closed-Circuit Television camera.

She said, “The essence of the surveillance and investigation that we conducted today is to verify the allegations and the content of that viral video.

“On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket which is right behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally. Inquiries have shown that yes, as this morning this supermarket was open and people were here.

“CCTV footage also shows that in the morning, two vehicles departed from these very premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have been able to identify by name and we have her contact details.”

The commission served a summons for Bei to appear before them by Wednesday to address the allegations, warning that failure to comply could result in further regulatory action, including continued closure of the premises.

The closure of the supermarket came amidst public outcry over discriminatory practices, with Nigerians expressing outrage on social media platforms. The FCCPC’s swift response underscores its commitment to upholding consumer rights and combating discrimination in commercial establishments.