The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has revealed that Cindy Liu Bei, the owner of the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket at the centre of discrimination allegations, fled with her family on Monday morning.
The revelation came after FCCPC officials raided the supermarket following reports that it only permitted Chinese individuals to shop there.
According to reports from News About Nigeria, FCCPC officials conducted the raid and subsequently shut down the supermarket after interrogating Nigerian workers on the premises.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that Bei had fled the scene, as confirmed by Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage.
Boladale Adeyinka, the Director for Surveillance and Investigation at FCCPC, led the enforcement exercise.
Speaking on the matter, Adeyinka stated, “The essence of the surveillance and investigation that we conducted today is to verify the allegations and the content of that viral video.”
Adeyinka further explained that, upon arrival, they observed the supermarket sealed and padlocked externally.
CCTV footage confirmed the departure of two vehicles from the premises, allegedly carrying Bei and her family.
“Now the summons, of course, since she’s not around and the place is locked, is to serve notice on her to appear before the federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by Wednesday
“There are other regulatory tools to be deployed, if she fails to attend to this summon. The summons means that on entering into these premises, they must see the summon because that is how they gain access to it”, she said.
She said that failure to comply with the summon could result in the premises remaining sealed until Bei appears before the commission.
As a result of Bei’s absence and failure to respond to the summon, FCCPC officials proceeded to seal the supermarket pending her appearance before the commission.
