Buying a Cheap Stolen Item Could Cost You Your Freedom in Nigeria

A cheap phone, laptop or other valuable item may seem like a lucky bargain. But if it was stolen, buying or keeping it can expose you to criminal liability in Nigeria. Under Section 427 of the Criminal Code Act, a person may commit an offence if they dishonestly receive or retain property they know, or have reason to believe, was stolen. The prosecution must prove that the item was stolen, that the accused received it dishonestly, and that they had guilty knowledge at the time. Courts can infer guilty knowledge from suspicious circumstances. Examples include buying a ₦2 million phone for ₦150,000 without a receipt, dealing with a seller who cannot explain ownership, or helping to remove serial numbers and conceal goods. A person cannot ordinarily be convicted both for stealing an item and for receiving that same item. Before buying valuable property, ask for proof of ownership, obtain a receipt, avoid unrealistically low prices, and be careful with secret or suspicious transactions. A bargain that looks too good to be true could cost far more than money—it could cost your freedom.

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