Tenant Allegedly Sells Landlord’s Duplex for ₦83 Million, Disappears with Proceeds
In a shocking display of audacity, a tenant in Lagos has allegedly sold his landlord’s duplex for ₦83 million and vanished with the money, leaving the property owner and authorities scrambling to uncover the details of the brazen scam. The incident, which has gone viral on social media platforms like X, has sparked outrage and disbelief among Nigerians, with many describing it as a new level of criminal ingenuity.
According to reports from sources such as Legit.ng and Gistlover, the unidentified tenant, described as having a “touch of criminality,” forged property documents to facilitate the illegal sale of the duplex, located in a prime area of Lagos. The tenant reportedly presented himself as the legitimate owner, convincing an unsuspecting buyer to part with ₦83 million for the property. After finalizing the transaction, the tenant disappeared, leaving no trace of his whereabouts or the funds.
The landlord, whose identity has not been disclosed, discovered the fraud when the new “owner” approached him to take possession of the duplex. The revelation has left the landlord in distress, with authorities now investigating the matter. Preliminary reports suggest the tenant exploited gaps in property documentation and verification processes, a growing concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
Social media reactions have been intense, with users expressing a mix of shock, amusement, and concern over the incident. One X user, @NaijaRealty, posted, “How do you sell someone’s house for ₦83m and vanish? This is Nollywood-level crime!” Another user, @LagosLandlord, warned, “Landlords, verify your tenants o! This one is a tenant from hell.” The incident has reignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations in property transactions and tenant screening in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly launched an investigation to track down the suspect and recover the funds. However, details remain scarce, and the tenant’s ability to execute such a high-stakes scam has raised questions about vulnerabilities in the real estate market. Experts are urging property owners to secure their titles and conduct thorough due diligence to prevent similar fraud.
This incident marks one of the most audacious property scams in recent memory, drawing parallels to other high-profile fraud cases in Nigeria. As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits answers on how the tenant orchestrated the scheme and whether justice will be served for the aggrieved landlord.