Nigeria’s busiest technology marketplace is facing a security crisis as sophisticated thieves and scammers increasingly target shoppers at Ikeja Computer Village in Lagos State.
A DAILY POST investigation has uncovered widespread theft and fraud at the sprawling tech hub, with victims describing how mobile phones vanish from pockets and bags without any physical contact, while counterfeit devices are sold to unsuspecting customers.
Kunle Adebayo, a commercial bus driver, recounted his bewildering experience: “My phone was in my pocket. I checked it two minutes later and it was gone. No push, no fight, nothing. I still don’t understand how it happened. I avoid the main market now.”
Multiple witnesses told DAILY POST that thefts typically occur in congested walkways, narrow corridors between shops, and at negotiation points where buyers pause to discuss prices.
“You have to be extremely vigilant here. I grip my phone tightly even while checking prices,” said Blessing Eze, a university student. “People say it’s supernatural, but I think these are just highly skilled thieves.”
Beyond pickpocketing, fraudulent phone sales have become equally problematic. Scammers sell counterfeit devices—locally called “China phones”—packaged to mimic popular brands, which buyers often discover only after leaving the market.
“My friend bought what looked like a genuine iPhone. The box, phone, and settings all appeared authentic. Two days later, it stopped working. When she returned, the seller had vanished,” said Sadiq Bello.
Fashion designer Chiamaka Okorie explained how the swap occurs: “They show you one phone, but once you hand over money, they switch it. Before you realize you’re holding a different device, they’ve disappeared.”
DAILY POST observed groups of individuals stationed at market entrances and roadsides, displaying used phones to attract bargain hunters—sellers that established traders identify as major contributors to the scam epidemic.
Legitimate dealers say they’re also suffering from the situation. “We get blamed constantly,” said Abubakar, who runs ABK Phones. “Someone buys a phone, walks a few shops away, and it’s stolen. They return angry, accusing us, but we had nothing to do with it.”
Dealer Sola Adeyemi added: “It’s painful and embarrassing. A customer buys a phone, steps out to make a call, and that’s it. They come back crying, but we can’t refund what we didn’t steal.”
Mr. Babatunde Akinwale, Secretary of the Computer Village Traders Association, acknowledged the problem and said the union is collaborating with security forces to identify criminals and counterfeit sellers.
“We’re not happy about what’s happening. These acts damage our market’s reputation,” Akinwale said. “Anyone caught selling fake phones or stealing is handed to authorities. The challenge is unregistered individuals operating outside our control. Most roadside sellers aren’t our members.”
The security concerns come as the Lagos State Government has ordered traders to relocate within 18 months to a new permanent site at Katangowa in Agbado/Oke-Odo, announced in September 2025.
Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the 15-hectare Katangowa site has been equipped with infrastructure to provide a more organized and secure trading environment.
“The current Ikeja location was never designed as a trading hub,” Oki explained. “Katangowa offers a structured market environment that supports growth while addressing safety and urban planning concerns.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to the relocation and traders’ welfare, according to Oki, who emphasized the government’s desire to work collaboratively with the business community on the transition.
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