By Our Correspondent, Lokoja
A fresh wave of controversy has hit the New Market section of the Lokoja International Market as a former vice chairman of the market association, Alhaji Danasabe Dariqa, has been accused of illegally selling a market store to two different buyers—an allegation that has reignited long-standing concerns over mismanagement within the market leadership.
According to reliable sources within the market community, the most recent victim of the alleged fraud is an Igbo trader (name withheld) who reportedly sold his residential property to raise several millions of naira in order to pay for the highly sought-after store.
The trader, who appeared visibly distressed when speaking with our reporter, revealed that after making full payment to Alhaji Dariqa, he received a sudden phone call from the former market executive asking him to “send my account details because the store has been sold.”
The unexpected message, he said, left him bewildered, as he had already completed financial transactions and was expecting to take possession of the store.
Multiple insiders disclosed that Alhaji Dariqa allegedly resold the same shop to another buyer, who is said to have offered an additional payment beyond the agreed amount. The identity of the second buyer was not revealed at press time.
The incident has thrown the market community into confusion, raising questions about accountability and oversight within the Lokoja International Market Association.
Market stakeholders who spoke with our Reporter recall that Dariqa was previously removed from office as vice chairman over allegations of embezzlement, unauthorized sale of market shops, and illegal allocation of spaces—issues that caused tension among traders and prompted calls for reforms within the market’s management structure.
Several traders expressed frustration, describing the situation as “a recurring pattern of exploitation” and urging authorities to take decisive action to protect unsuspecting buyers from fraudulent practices.
Efforts by our correspondent to contact Alhaji Danasabe Dariqa for his reaction were unsuccessful, as he did not answer multiple calls placed to his mobile line. Messages sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, concerned traders are calling for intervention from the Kogi State Ministry of Commerce and relevant enforcement agencies to prevent further exploitation and to ensure justice for those affected.
As tensions mount, the fate of the embattled store—and the hope of the trader who staked his life savings on it—remains uncertain.
Details shortly
