Phone traders in Kano State have confronted Chinese nationals accused of selling mobile phones directly to consumers at lower prices, reigniting concerns over foreign competition and the survival of local retail businesses in Nigeria.

The confrontation, reportedly captured in a video circulating on social media on Saturday, October 10, 2026, saw aggrieved traders challenge a Chinese national over alleged direct sales in a local market.

In the footage, some traders warned the foreign sellers against continuing the disputed business activities, insisting that their presence and pricing practices were undermining local dealers.

The traders alleged that Chinese sellers were bypassing established distribution channels by selling phones directly to consumers rather than supplying Nigerian retailers, who traditionally buy from importers and wholesalers before reselling to the public.

They argued that foreign suppliers with direct access to manufacturers could offer lower prices, making it difficult for local dealers to compete and maintain their businesses.

The traders expressed concern that the alleged practice could reduce their sales, threaten jobs and undermine the livelihoods of people who depend on the mobile phone retail business.

However, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear. The identities of those involved, the precise location of the incident and whether any formal complaint was filed have not been independently established. There was also no confirmed information about arrests or police intervention.

The Kano dispute comes amid growing tensions between Nigerian traders and Chinese business operators over the boundaries between wholesale distribution and direct retail sales.

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A similar disagreement emerged in September at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where members of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association of Nigeria (ASPMDA) protested against what they described as direct retail activities by Chinese business operators.

The Lagos traders alleged that some foreign businesses were selling goods directly to consumers, putting local retailers at a disadvantage because of differences in purchasing power, supply chains and access to manufacturers.

The disagreement prompted discussions involving market representatives, the trade fair management board and security officials, who sought to prevent the dispute from escalating.

During efforts to resolve the Lagos disagreement, stakeholders called for clearer rules defining the respective roles of wholesalers and retailers. Representatives of the Chinese business community also indicated that businesses found engaging in prohibited activities should be reported for appropriate action.

The dispute has since highlighted wider concerns about foreign investment, fair competition and the protection of Nigerian small businesses.

Local traders argue that they need a level playing field to compete with businesses that source products directly from manufacturers. They also want authorities to clarify the conditions under which foreign operators can participate in Nigeria’s retail sector.

However, selling products at lower prices does not automatically establish wrongdoing. Determining whether a business has breached the law requires evidence of the relevant activities and the regulations governing its operations.

Consumers, meanwhile, may benefit from lower prices and greater choice when competition increases. The challenge for regulators is to ensure that competition remains lawful and fair while protecting consumers and supporting sustainable local enterprise.

The Kano confrontation has renewed calls for government agencies and market authorities to clarify Nigeria’s foreign trade and retail regulations, investigate credible complaints and provide mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes peacefully.

Authorities will also need to ensure that disagreements over business practices do not lead to intimidation, threats or violence against traders of any nationality.

For now, the central issue remains whether the alleged direct sales in Kano violate applicable regulations or market rules. An official response clarifying the circumstances of the incident would help establish the facts and determine whether further action is necessary.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi over alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦132 million, with the Federal High Court in Lagos ordering the forfeiture of two properties and ₦8 million to the Federal Government.

Justice Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, convicted Pelumi on five counts relating to the retention of proceeds of unlawful activities in bank accounts maintained with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Zenith Bank.

According to the EFCC, the charges covered various sums allegedly retained in the accounts between January 2023 and June 2026, despite the defendant’s knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission did not provide further details about the specific unlawful activities from which the money was allegedly derived.

In his judgment, Justice Osiagor sentenced Pelumi to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine, on the first count.

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For each of the remaining four counts, the court imposed five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine per count.

However, the judge directed that all the prison terms run concurrently, meaning they are served at the same time rather than consecutively.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of two half-plots of land in Lagos and ₦8 million held in Pelumi’s Zenith Bank account to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The properties covered by the forfeiture order are a half-plot of land at No. 23 Michael Ayorinde Street, Abule-Egba, and another half-plot at No. 1 Yisa Street, Meiran, both in Lagos State.

In addition to the prison sentences and forfeiture orders, Pelumi was directed to undertake seven days of community service.

The conviction followed prosecution by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 as part of its efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes involving the retention of funds linked to unlawful activities.

The case also highlights the commission’s use of asset-forfeiture proceedings to recover money and property connected to financial crime cases.

The EFCC did not disclose additional details about the source of the funds beyond the allegations contained in the five-count charge.