Across Nigerian streets, a familiar chant has emerged: “Condemn phone! Condemn computer! Handset to baje baje! We are buying it at a good price!” Vendors carrying megaphones call on residents to bring out faulty phones and laptops in exchange for instant cash. While the offer seems straightforward, the real cost of these “condemned” devices goes far beyond their hardware.
A damaged phone or laptop is often perceived as worthless, especially if it has a cracked screen, dead battery, or water damage. Yet, experts warn that the device’s storage often remains intact, meaning sensitive information such as saved passwords, banking apps, emails, and social media accounts can still be accessed.
Even devices that are not powered on can have their storage removed and read with basic tools. A SIM card still linked to the device can facilitate OTPs (one-time passwords) and verification, giving buyers access to banking and personal accounts without the original owner’s knowledge.
Street vendors typically pay between N500 and N10,000 for condemned devices. Sellers believe they are parting with useless equipment, but buyers may extract far more value from the data inside — passwords, personal photographs, and financial access.
Once sold, these devices enter an unregulated system: there is no receipt, no documentation, and no accountability. Payments are made in cash, and the fate of the data is unmonitored. Unauthorized transactions, social media takeovers, loan applications, and identity theft are all potential consequences for careless sellers.
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Cybersecurity and data protection specialists stress that Nigerians must take proper steps before selling or discarding any device: Remove SIM and memory cards; Sign out of all accounts; Clear saved passwords and browser history; Perform a full factory reset if the device still works.
If the device is non-functional, remove or destroy the storage; for laptops, this means the hard drive or SSD.
“Your phone or laptop may be ‘condemned,’ but your personal information is still valuable,” said Dr. Chinedu Okeke, a cybersecurity consultant. “Failing to secure your data before selling is essentially giving away your identity and financial access.”
The street trade in condemned electronics highlights a broader problem: lack of public awareness and weak regulation around personal data in Nigeria. Vendors advertise “good prices,” but what they are really buying is access — to bank accounts, private messages, and digital identities.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that proper precautions can significantly reduce risk. However, without nationwide awareness campaigns and stricter oversight, Nigerians will continue to unknowingly expose themselves to fraud and identity theft.
The takeaway is clear: “We buy at good prices” is not just about the phone — it’s about everything inside it.