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Reprieve is on the way for defrauded accommodation seekers as Lagos State government reveals that it has declared war on all fraudulent real estate transactions in the state, assuring that it will explore legal means to protect the interest of its citizens from real estate swindlers.
Fraudulent activities in real estate transactions are on the increase in Lagos, but the state government is assuring that it is determined to make Lagos a no-go area for unscrupulous individuals who prey on Lagosians under the guise of real estate business.
Moruf Akinderu Fatai, the state Commissioner for Housing, who gave this assurance while receiving defrauded accommodation seekers from Alapere, Ketu area of the state, stressed that the state government had declared a war against fraudulent practitioners in the real estate sector.
The commissioner told his visitors that justice would definitely be served to the fraudulent property developer who swindled them out of their hard earned money, adding that the state government was aware of their case and had instituted legal actions against the said developer on behalf of the victims.
“We encourage members of the public to report dubious estate agents and developers to the office of Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department (LASRETRAD) in Block 7 at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja,” he said, adding, “I want to assure you that the state government is very responsive and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.”
Earlier, Aliyu Toyin, leader of the victims who were defrauded by one Tasleem Idowu Alabi that allegedly collected N65million rents from over 250 prospective tenants for only 15 units of accommodation, had expressed fears that the accused might not be brought to book. He pleaded for help for immediate refund of the rents paid.
Wasiu Akewusola, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, urged Lagos residents seeking accommodation to always transact business with estate agents and developers that are registered with LASRETRAD which is a directorate under the Ministry of Housing.
He disclosed that the directorate was saddled with the responsibility of registering, regulating and monitoring real estate operators across the state. He appealed to the victims to maintain peace and order while the state government took the necessary action on the matter.
CHUKA UROKO
