Onitsha, Anambra State – In a viral video making rounds on social media, two women were caught using counterfeit money in Onitsha market and severely beaten by traders and members of the community. The incident happened on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at night in the busy market area.………
According to eyewitnesses, the women had been going round different shops in Onitsha main market for a long time, buying goods with fake naira notes. Traders were already on high alert after previous complaints. On this day, the women went back to the same shop for the third time, trying to use the fake money again. That was when they were caught red-handed.
The angry crowd quickly gathered, dragged the women out, and gave them serious flogging. In the video, the women are seen on the wet ground, screaming and trying to protect themselves as people beat them with sticks and ropes. One woman in a green top and another in a black floral dress were rolling on the floor while the crowd shouted and punished them. No police were seen in the video as the community took the law into their own hands.
This kind of jungle justice is common in many Nigerian markets when thieves or fraudsters are caught. Traders say they are tired of losing money to fake notes every day.
Social media reactions have been very hot. One user on X wrote, “Na so dem dey do am for Onitsha. If you like use fake money, market women go show you pepper . Serves them right!” Another commented, “This is too much. Even if they are wrong, beating them like this is barbaric. Hand them over to police na.” Some people supported the action: “Traders work hard for their money. These women don spoil many businesses. Flog them well well!” While others said, “Two wrongs no dey make right. This kind beating fit kill person. EFCC and police should do better.”
