In Lagos, anything is possible — especially when it comes to market scams. One minute you’re pricing a “UK-used iPhone 13,” the next, you’re unboxing blended fufu in a nylon bag.
Here are 7 infamous Lagos markets where scam stories are part of the daily soundtrack. If you’re not streetwise, you might just learn the hard way. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
1. Computer Village (Ikeja)
The king of gadget scams in Nigeria.
You’ll find legit deals here — but also professional scammers who package soap, sand, and sachet water inside iPhone boxes.
Most common trick: “Let me go and bring charger from the back.” Next thing, you’re standing alone with empty carton.
Survival Tip: Don’t follow anyone to a corner store. Only buy from verified shops.
2. Alaba International Market (Ojo)
This is Nigeria’s electronics jungle.
From fake generators to TVs that only work when it rains, Alaba is a scammer’s playground. There are also “Apple shops” selling you a power bank labeled as iPhone.
Hot scam: They give you demo phone, repackage something else, and seal it in front of you like magic.
3. Ladipo Market (Mushin)
Famous for car parts and for turning iPhones into steering wheels (okay, almost).
A guy once bought an “Android head unit” and got a carton filled with foam and biscuit wrappers.
Warning: If you don’t speak “Auto Pidgin,” stay away from solo buying here.
4. Balogun Market (Lagos Island)
They sell clothes, shoes… and confidence scams.
Some stalls will say: “Madam, it’s inside the warehouse.” Then escort you 5 blocks away to swap your phone for garri or plantain peels.
Street move: Don’t allow anyone to drag you far. Your “warehouse iPhone” might be soaking in pepper water.
5. Tejuosho Market (Yaba)
Fresh and funky — but deceptive in disguise.
Tejuosho is a mix of boutiques and hustle stalls. Scammers here are sharp, and the “let me show you one clean UK-used iPhone” line has robbed many.
Some walk away with a weighty box that’s full of old chargers and bread slices.
6. Aswani Market (Oshodi Axis)
Aswani is for thrift shopping — but some traders have diversified into premium trickery.
Their motto is “Omo Na UK Original,” but you’re buying a mirror glued inside a phone casing.
Special notice: If the seller starts sweating after collecting your cash, run.
7. Mile 12 Market
You came for tomatoes, and somehow found a “tech guy” selling iPhones.
That’s how the story begins.
People have bought power banks, flash drives, and even phones here only to get home and find blended fufu, broken tiles, or cold akamu inside.
Red Flag Move: If your “tech plug” is surrounded by onions and pepper, it’s not technology. It’s witchcraft.
Final Advice:
In Lagos, if the deal sounds too good to be true it is. Stick to:
Verified stores
Tested-before-you-pay policy
And most importantly: Don’t rush tech purchases near pepper sellers
Your dream iPhone shouldn’t turn to abula soup at home.
