Market Mayhem in Lagos As Hijab-Wearing Women Caught Stealing Ankara Wrappers at Bustling Oshodi Market [VIDEO]

 

A routine day at Oshodi market in Lagos turned dramatic when three women, fully dressed in hijabs, were caught attempting to steal multiple Ankara fabric wrappers from a local trader’s stall. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, has stirred intense conversation, not just about the theft itself, but about the use of religious attire as a form of disguise.

Witnesses report that the women were acting suspiciously around a popular vendor's stand before one of them was seen hurriedly stuffing several fabric pieces underneath her flowing attire. It didn’t take long before other traders and market goers became alert to the strange behavior. A swift move by the shop owner and nearby traders led to the apprehension of the trio, though one managed to slip away amidst the commotion.

As tempers flared and a crowd formed, tension rose. At one point, one of the suspects was reportedly forced to remove her hijab, revealing the concealed stolen items. This act not only confirmed the alleged crime but also ignited a fresh wave of outrage from onlookers who felt deceived by the misuse of religious dress. The removal of the hijab disguise was a turning point, exposing the extent of the operation and shocking many who watched the event unfold.

Eyewitness footage captured on mobile phones quickly made its way to X (formerly Twitter), drawing widespread attention. The video showed two women surrounded by a vocal crowd, some jeering and others simply recording the moment. One of the women appeared visibly embarrassed while the other tried to cover her face as voices in the crowd shouted insults and accusations.

The online community responded with a mix of disgust, disappointment, and mockery. A user with the handle @EjanlaOfnaija lamented, “Tiff no get gender and age sha,,, see as person mama disgrace herself,” expressing frustration over the growing trend of older individuals, particularly women, being caught in such criminal acts.

Another user, @Ikopima09, criticized the double standard in societal responses to theft. “If na man tiff now them for don put tyre for him neck but since na woman tiff na just to shout oyeloun,” the post read, highlighting how female suspects often receive more lenient treatment in mob justice scenarios.

Some responses were more sarcastic, with @FATOKIMICHEAL2 commenting, “If na true she pilfer am, make them just carry go Jalisco field🙄 make she go learn lesson for there,” referring to a known disciplinary location in Lagos where petty criminals are often punished.

Social analyst and commentator @ebukaeditors chimed in with a note of sadness, “Mama the mama …why na …now you will learn the hard way,” possibly referencing the maternal age of the suspect and the shock such actions inspire in a culturally conservative environment.

One of the more alarming responses came from @shinaay15533786, who suggested this group may not be new to theft, saying, “Wetin my sister eye see with this people e, from last year, she has bought 6 diff phones. They are perfect in stealing x.” This remark hinted at the possibility of a well-organized ring of female thieves targeting markets across the city.

Among the reactions was also a philosophical question posed by @okeugosamuel2: “Why do people do this knowing that they will be caught.” His rhetorical question underlines a deeper social concern over the rising number of petty thefts driven by either desperation, greed, or criminal opportunism.

Though market theft is not a new issue in Lagos, the use of hijabs as a tool for concealment adds a controversial twist. Many religious observers and community leaders have condemned such acts, warning that it not only disrespects cultural and religious values but also puts innocent hijab-wearing women at risk of profiling.

As of now, two of the suspects remain in custody. The police have reportedly launched a search for the third woman who managed to escape during the uproar. Traders in Oshodi are calling for increased surveillance and tighter market security, fearing that this may be part of a broader trend.

What began as an attempted fabric theft has quickly escalated into a broader conversation about crime, gender, cultural identity, and the ways people misuse appearances to manipulate trust. While investigations continue, the incident remains a striking reminder of the complex social dynamics that define life in Nigeria’s bustling urban markets.

A woman disguised in a hijab allegedly stole five different Ankara wrappers in Oshodi. pic.twitter.com/FbZTkNr9lX

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) June 20, 2025