…To prosecute real estate fraudsters
… Landlords, developers and Agents to forfeit properties
The Director, Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department, LASRETRAD under the Lagos State ministry of Housing, Mr Lawrence Adeyeye has warned members of Association of Property Investment and Commissioned Agents (APICAN} to register with LASRETRAD noting that any Real Estate Agent operating without LASRETRAD is a quack and such agent will be prosecuted.
He gave the warning at a seminar organised by Oshodi branch of APICAN urging anyone swindled by Estate Agent to report to LASRETRAD for further actions. He urged Agents to “be more transparent in your dealings particularly to your clients- landlords and tenants while Involving legal practitioners in all your dealings.
With the insecurity of Nigeria today, always verify the database of every prospective tenant and make sure the data form is signed by tenant’s referee and guarantor. He made the position of the government known on fraudsters, saying any fraudster landlord, developer or agent risk imprisonment and forfeiture of property to the government which will be sold to pay victims.
Meanwhile, the National President of APICAN Prince Jide Odelola has called on every Real Estate Agent to join APICAN to enhance their professionalism and credibility; according to him members will be fully protected against unfavorable governments’ policies, public intimidation and unlawful harassment from law enforcement agencies. It will also provide platform for more knowledge and firsthand information on the Real Estate industry in their respective states, as regards ethical and professional standards.
Earlier at the event the Oshodi branch Chairman of APICAN, Agent Victor Afaha said training and retraining APICAN members are very important to bringing more dignity and honor to the profession.