Ikeja Computer Village, widely regarded as Nigeria’s largest hub for phones and technology trading in Lagos, is facing renewed scrutiny as visitors and traders raise concerns over increasing cases of phone theft and fraudulent sales.
Despite its reputation as the nerve centre of the country’s gadget economy, many buyers now describe the market as a high-risk environment where newly purchased phones can disappear within moments.
Several victims who spoke shared similar experiences of unexplained losses. Kunle Adebayo, a commercial bus driver, said his phone vanished without any physical confrontation.
“It felt unreal. My phone was in my pocket, and just minutes later it was gone. No struggle, nothing,” he said, noting that the incident has made him wary of returning to the crowded sections of the market.
Other visitors echoed the sentiment, warning that thefts often occur in congested walkways and negotiation points where distractions are common. Blessing Eze, a university student, said buyers must remain constantly alert.
“You have to be extremely careful here. I hold my phone tightly even when I’m only checking prices,” she said.
Beyond pickpocketing, customers also report a rise in phone-related scams. A common complaint involves counterfeit devices designed to resemble premium brands. These imitation products, sometimes referred to as “China phones,” are allegedly sold as genuine items to unsuspecting buyers.
Sadiq Bello recounted how a friend unknowingly purchased a fake device packaged to appear authentic.
“Everything looked original, but the phone stopped working after a few days. When she returned, the seller was nowhere to be found,” he said.
Some traders attribute many of the fraudulent incidents to unregistered roadside dealers operating near market entrances. DAILY POST observations noted clusters of informal sellers displaying fairly used phones to lure bargain hunters.
Legitimate shop owners within the market say the trend has also affected their businesses, as frustrated customers often direct their anger at authorised dealers.
“We face complaints almost daily. A buyer may step away after purchase and lose the phone. They come back upset, but we have no control over such incidents,” a dealer, Abubakar of ABK Phones, said.
Market leaders acknowledge the growing concerns. Secretary of the Computer Village Traders Association, Babatunde Akinwale, stated that the union is collaborating with security agencies to identify criminal elements and curb fraudulent practices.
“These activities damage the reputation of the market. Anyone caught engaging in illegal acts is handed over to the authorities,” he said, while stressing that many roadside operators are not registered members of the association.
The security concerns come amid plans by the Lagos State Government to relocate traders from the current Ikeja site to Katangowa in the Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA. Officials have argued that the relocation will provide a more organised and secure trading environment.
Government representatives previously stated that the Katangowa site, spanning 15 hectares, has been designed to address safety and urban planning challenges associated with the existing location.
For now, however, both traders and visitors continue to urge heightened vigilance as authorities and market stakeholders seek lasting solutions to the persistent issues of theft and scams.
