Heartbroken Corps Member Tricked into Buying Fufu Packaged as iPhone at Ikeja’s Computer Village [VIDEO]

 

A tragic and humiliating experience has left a female corps member visibly shaken after she was cruelly scammed at the ever-bustling Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos. The young woman, who had saved diligently to purchase an iPhone, walked away from the tech market with nothing but heartbreak and a package of fufu, a local starchy food, crudely wrapped to resemble a brand-new Apple device.

Captured in a now-viral video posted on social media platform X, the corps member clutched the fake phone box, her face filled with pain and disbelief. Surrounded by onlookers, she tried to come to terms with what had just occurred. For many viewers, the scene was difficult to watch, not just because of the trickery involved, but because it highlighted how unsuspecting citizens continue to fall victim to such scams despite years of warnings and awareness.

Eyewitnesses explained that the incident unfolded quickly. The corps member, presumably trusting and eager, was approached by what appeared to be a street-savvy vendor offering a great deal on an iPhone. The offer must have sounded too good to pass up. With confidence and urgency, the vendor likely pressured her into making a hasty purchase, sealing the deal with what seemed like professional packaging and a legitimate sales routine.

Once the money exchanged hands and the vendor vanished into the crowd, the truth came to light. The "iPhone" box, when opened, contained not a sleek mobile device but a neatly wrapped slab of fufu. Shock and devastation followed.

This latest scam has sparked outrage and disbelief online. Social media users reacted passionately, with some blaming the woman for her naivety, while others called for stricter regulation and enforcement in Computer Village, a place long plagued by such deceitful practices.

@no1Raver commented, “Na why I dey advice to hold egusi if you dey enter computer village.”
@__victoh wrote, “Guy it’s a lie. He has to be an imbecile for this scam to work.”
@IfeanyiOkafor19 weighed in, saying, “Corper go where him get am cheap well well.”
@Oluwaatobilobaa added, “Does this thing still work? You can’t say you don’t know anyone who has an authentic & trusted vendor who sells phones now. Like how?”
@y0philp vented, “Make them just throw bomb put for that computer village abeg.”

These reactions, though mixed with humor and sarcasm, underline a deeper issue. Computer Village, once known as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s tech sales industry, has become synonymous with fraud. Stories of customers receiving stones, bar soaps, or plantains instead of actual phones have persisted for years. Yet, despite these stories, new victims continue to emerge, many drawn by the promise of discounts and the dream of owning high-end gadgets.

For corps members who serve the nation under often challenging economic conditions, such scams can be especially devastating. Their monthly allowance barely covers basic expenses, and any personal investment in technology is often a hard-earned decision. For this young woman, the betrayal is not just financial; it is emotional and psychological.

Efforts have been made in the past to sanitize Computer Village. Government officials, consumer protection groups, and law enforcement have occasionally raided the market to crack down on fake vendors and unregistered sellers. However, these measures often yield temporary relief. The scammers regroup quickly, often changing tactics or moving operations to different corners of the market.

What makes this incident particularly sad is that it occurred in broad daylight in one of Nigeria’s most famous technology markets. That raises questions about oversight, security, and whether enough is being done to protect consumers, especially vulnerable ones like students and corps members.

As the video continues to make rounds online, many have begun demanding accountability. Some are calling for a digital registry of verified tech vendors, while others believe only a total overhaul of the market system will stop these scams.

Meanwhile, the young corps member remains a symbol of the harsh realities many face when navigating an environment filled with both opportunity and deception. Her story is a cautionary tale to anyone hoping to buy electronics from informal vendors without proper verification.

Until major reforms take place, Computer Village will likely remain both a hub of innovation and a hotspot for heartbreaks.

Corper go buy new iPhone, dem give am fufu 💔😂 pic.twitter.com/AxFsKWskoK

— 𝔼𝕤𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕥😎 (@Esmart26) July 29, 2025