Ibadan Estate Agent Arraigned for Allegedly Defrauding Accommodation-Seekers of ₦15 Million

A 42-year-old estate agent, Mr. Temitope Animashaun, was brought before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, accused of defrauding multiple accommodation-seekers of ₦15 million under the guise of facilitating housing rentals.

The complainants allege that Animashaun collected large sums from them on the promise of securing rentals in desirable locations, but failed to deliver the housing units or refund the monies. Some of the victims claimed to have made multiple payments—aside from deposits, key money and alleged agency fees—but never took possession of any property.

In court, the defendant was charged with conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and breach of trust, as outlined by the investigating officer. The magistrate read the charges to the defendant and ordered him to be remanded in custody pending bail application. The case was adjourned to November 29 for further hearing.

Legal observers say this case highlights the persistent vulnerability of aspiring renters in Ibadan, especially young professionals and students, who are often targeted by unscrupulous agents promising “guaranteed allocations.” They suggest that the housing-market regulation needs to be strengthened to protect consumers and deter repeat offences.

One complainant testified that after paying the agent, the apartment was shown once, then subsequently “sold” to someone else, while their own payment was ignored. “We followed up and found the flat had been handed over—but not to us,” she said. Another said: “I paid a deposit of ₦1.2 million only to be told later the house was no longer available and the money could not be returned.”

In response, the Ibadan Housing Registry has appealed to accommodation-seekers to verify agency credentials, demand written contracts, avoid large upfront payments, and check for property titles or allocation letters before making payments. The Housing Registry also pledged to collaborate with the state police command and landlords’ association to track and prosecute fraudulent agents.

Observers believe the case could serve as a warning to other agents who operate without proper registration or transparency and may encourage affected persons to come forward. With hearings set to continue, public attention remains focused on how justice will be dispensed and whether those defrauded will recover their monies.