A Nigerian fashion designer has been left devastated after discovering she was one of over 30 victims who paid N2.6 million each for the same two-bedroom apartment in Lagos, in what appears to be an elaborate rental scam.
The Heartbreaking Discovery
The victim, who goes by the TikTok handle @dorah_xo, took to social media to share her ordeal in a series of viral videos. According to her account, she and her sister paid the substantial amount to a developer for the apartment in October, only to make a shocking discovery weeks later.
The same developer had collected rental payments from more than 30 different individuals and families for the exact same property, then completely disappeared without a trace. The fashion designer explained that she had taken on extra work as a virtual assistant to save up for the apartment, making the financial loss particularly devastating.
Growing Desperation as Deadline Looms
The situation has become increasingly urgent for the sisters as their current accommodation faces an expiration crisis. "Where me and my sister are staying, the rent is going to expire this November," she revealed in an emotional update to her followers.
Despite efforts to seek justice through official channels, the victims have hit dead ends. The authorities have provided no meaningful assistance or progress in tracking down the fraudulent developer, leaving the multiple victims stranded and uncertain about their housing future.
In her sixth video addressing the housing nightmare, she captioned: "SCAM ALERT ? House hunting in Nigeria is becoming a horror movie. This man collected money from over 30 people for just one house and disappeared. I'm sharing this because I need help and I don't want anyone else to go through this."
Public Reaction and Similar Experiences
The fashion designer's story has generated significant sympathy and outrage across social media platforms. Among the responses:
- Several commenters shared similar experiences with rental scams
- Many expressed frustration with Nigerian authorities' inability to address such fraud
- Some victims of the same scam came forward in the comments
- Legal advice was offered, including suggestions to obtain court orders
One commenter, Estycollections, revealed: "I'm also a victim of this particular house, I paid for mini flat. and Mr Ibrahim is no where to be found." This confirmation suggests the scam was widespread and well-organized.
The case highlights the growing problem of rental fraud in Nigeria's competitive housing market, particularly in major cities like Lagos where demand often outstrips supply, creating opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to exploit desperate tenants.
