A video of a woman counting a large amount of cash while reportedly preparing to purchase an iPhone 17 Air has sparked controversy and heated debate on social media in Nigeria.
In the viral clip, the woman is seen handling a substantial amount of naira notes at a phone store, with a shop attendant nearby.
The amount of cash reportedly appeared sufficient to purchase an iPhone 17 Air, with prices said to range from about ₦1.2 million to more than ₦2 million, depending on the model and storage capacity.
The footage quickly triggered speculation online, with some social media users questioning the source of the money and linking the large cash transaction to security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, including kidnapping and banditry.
Some users went as far as suggesting that the woman could be connected to ransom payments or what they described as “bush traders.”
However, there is no evidence from the video establishing that the woman obtained the money illegally or has any connection to criminal activity.
The controversy has also renewed debate over the use of cash in northern Nigeria, particularly within livestock and commodity markets, where large transactions are sometimes conducted in cash.
Some Nigerians criticised what they described as ethnic profiling, arguing that the mere possession of large amounts of cash should not automatically be associated with criminality or a particular ethnic group.
Reacting to the video on X, formerly known as Twitter, @xavage_prince called for an investigation into the source of the money.
“Hope the DSS take this serious and investigate were ever the money come from, the EFCC should be involved too, not only going after claimed yahoo boys as they say…. This video is disturbing.”
@obinna_emelobe also questioned the transaction, writing:
Read Also:
- Phyna Slams ₦500m Defamation Suit Against Carter Efe Over Alleged Sex Claim
- Phyna accuses VDM of betrayal, alleges inappropriate advances over late sister’s case
- Phyna responds to critics after BBL surgery, shares recovery progress
“Why Nigeria is not a serious country? In this cashless economy, you should suspect anyone who moves cash like this. Let them tell us how they made the money. She don go use iphone seller clean the money.”»
Meanwhile, @ahumzy linked the incident to concerns over ransom payments, saying:
“People taking money to kidnappers should try their best and label all of that money that way they had been caught trying to spend from the proceeds of the evil act, who knows if she isn’t related to the group that just cashed out from Jowi Zaza’s father…”
However, @generalsmarty offered a different perspective, explaining that cash remains common in livestock transactions.
“These Fulani people have no business with banks. All their transactions is in cash. The first time I had to count 800k in cash is when I went to buy cow for my wedding they refused transfer. I had to go withdraw the money and pay in cash.”
Similarly, @umuojime criticised the assumptions being made about the woman, arguing that legitimate businesses in northern Nigeria still rely heavily on cash.
“In Nigeria, if you hold ₦5k, you’re broke. If you carry millions in cash to buy a phone, the internet immediately assumes you’re a bandit leader.
“People forget that entire legitimate livestock and commodity markets in the North run purely on raw cash. The profiling is getting out of hand, let the woman buy her phone in peace!”
The incident has since generated a wider conversation about financial transparency, cash-based businesses, security concerns and the dangers of making criminal allegations based solely on appearances or viral social media videos.
As of the time of reporting, there was no official statement from the woman, the phone store or any security agency confirming the source of the money or linking her to any criminal activity.
