Nigerians share personal encounters with fake developers, estate agents

Nigerians have taken to social media to share their personal encounters with fake estate agents, following a report about a suspected fake developer, Ahmed Ayinde, who allegedly defrauded no fewer than 100 prospective tenants in the Olowo Ira area of Lagos state.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that 100 intending tenants were swindled of about N500m as Ayinde reportedly received rents from multiple people over a vacant apartment.

Reacting to the report, Nigerians have taken to Facebook to recount their personal ordeals with fraudulent developers and estate agents.

One Onyeka Eze wrote, “I also had such experience in 2013 February, after my wedding.  I went to pay 380k for a mini flat at Ketu. Lagos (No 12 Daniel Makinde street).  After 24 hours of this payment, I went back to ask for my money and that was when the story began.

“They kept on posting me while collecting money from other victims. One of the agents around the street told me that those guys are developers that I should be very careful with them. I involved the police but they did not even notice me and the police, not until I got a contact from force headquarters, then they gave me back my money.

“After 3 months, I saw the same house on PUNCH news (No 12 Daniel Makinde street Ketu), 256 people paid for that house. They even did a protest that time but thank God, I got my money back. Some of these developers are very wicked.

Another user, Nifemi Jummy, said, “I experienced the same thing in June last year. The case is still in court. We also involved EFCC (Economic Financial Crimes Commission). Up until now, there is no good response. After wasting a lot of money in SFU (Special Fraud Unit) and Court, we’re still on it.

Reacting to the report, Emmy Hendris, wrote, “I have been a victim! Mine was 250k during my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps). Omo, I used Army to recover 200k.  To date, I did not see the man and my 50k remaining. We were more than 20 that paid for the same flat! Lagos is a rugged place oh” (sic)

Narrating for a friend, Victor Malaolu, said, “It always happens in Lagos. My friend experienced it then. A 16 block of rooms was paid for by 56 people. He met another occupant the day he packed his personal effects to the room he was given. He lost his money till date.” PUNCH