Journalist petitions police over N570,000 Lagos tenancy dispute

Francis Iwuchukwu, a Nigerian Tribune correspondent, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over a tenancy dispute involving an estate agent in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Iwuchukwu claims he paid N570,000 to Bolaji Ojo for a self-contained apartment, but the agent refused to refund the money. According to Iwuchukwu, he had initially discussed the apartment online and in person with Ojo, and paid various fees including rent, agreement fees, and a damages deposit.

The agent assured Iwuchukwu that the electrical wiring would be completed before the end of April, and that a prepaid electricity meter would be installed. However, when Iwuchukwu returned to the apartment on May 24, he discovered a padlock on the gate leading to his apartment. He demanded a refund of the total amount paid, which Ojo allegedly agreed to in written form at both Imota and Araro Police Stations. As of now, Ojo's whereabouts are unknown, and he has stopped responding to the police.