The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an Abuja-based house agent, Hajia Adama Adamu, over an alleged property fraud involving N288 million.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday, noting that the suspect was apprehended by operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate following a petition.

According to the commission, Adamu allegedly obtained the money from a complainant, Alhaji Tanko Yawale, under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property in Abuja.

“The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC has arrested an Abuja-based house agent, Hajia Adama Ahmed Adamu, over an alleged property fraud to the tune of N288 million.

” The suspect allegedly obtained the money from Alhaji Tanko Yawale under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property located at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, “the agency said.

The EFCC further disclosed that the suspect allegedly failed to provide valid documentation for the property after receiving the funds, prompting suspicion.

“ Following the payment, Hajia Adamu allegedly failed to provide the complainant with valid documents for the property and subsequently became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting a formal petition to the EFCC,” the commission said.

Property-related fraud has remained a recurring concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in major cities such as Abuja, where unsuspecting buyers often fall victim to agents posing as legitimate intermediaries.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has, in recent months, intensified enforcement against land and housing scams, warning members of the public to verify property documents and ownership before making payments. (The PUNCH)