What Actually Happened?
Pastor Gbenga Samuel Wemimo and his wife bought a brand-new iPhone in Lagos (Jakande, Lekki Phase 1) in September 2024. Later, when they tried to trade it in at London’s Apple Store in Westfield, Stratford City, the phone was tagged as “stolen” despite having receipts and original packaging. He posted this ordeal on social media on how they narrowly avoided legal trouble. Almost immediately, social media sparked with heated debate where one user bluntly stated:
“No Apple store in Nigeria is recognised by Apple itself … If it is original, fake or stolen depends on the person’s integrity as a business person.”
Although there might be some skepticism as to the validity of the statement by this user. Here are some concerns that the incident of Pastor Gbenga Samuel Wemimo raises:
- Why is there purportedly no certified Apple Stores in Nigeria?
The lack of certified Apple outlets in Nigeria means iPhone consumers rely on importers and resellers, often with inconsistent documentation and authenticity. - The Global Fraud Concerns arising
Apple remains a top target for phishing and fraud, making authenticity a global concern, not only in Nigeria. - Current regulatory Solutions
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) introduced a Device Management System (NCC-DMS) in 2024, aiming to link mobile devices to a central registry via MNOs, but its effectiveness is still very much unclear.
Here’s What Should You Do?
- Always ask for proof of certification when buying iPhones in Nigeria.
- Prefer non-active, OEM-packaged devices with clear serial documentation. In simple terms, prioritize buying new phones to buying “second-hand” phones.
- Register your device using NCC-DMS, if possible, to avoid future trade-in or resale issues.
- Keep receipts and warranty details meticulously, it may save you from legal headaches in the future.
Nigeria’s booming tech market needs stronger channels, clearer regulation, and greater accountability to protect consumers. Until then, buyer discretion remains very key in ensuring compliance and avoiding potential issues in this market.
Share this post with your friends as your might be saving someone the stress of embarrassment or also some legal wahala in the future.
