“I Gambled With the Money,” Ibadan House Agent Remanded Over N0.7m Rent Scam

“I Gambled With the Money,” Ibadan House Agent Remanded Over N0.7m Rent Scam

A house agent in Ibadan has been remanded by a court after allegedly admitting that he gambled away N700,000 collected from a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for accommodation.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in the Oyo State capital, was brought to light by freelance journalist Tosin Media Concept (TMC), who shared details of the case on social media.

According to the report, the corps member had contacted the agent in search of an apartment, and both parties agreed on a total payment of N700,000 covering rent and other charges. However, complications arose on the scheduled date for inspection and collection of keys.

The agent allegedly began offering excuses and avoiding the tenant. He later reportedly confessed that he had diverted part of the funds to settle personal debts and used the remaining amount for sports betting.

“This particular house agent collected N700,000 from a corper in Ibadan,” TMC wrote.

“On the scheduled day to inspect the apartment again and collect the keys, the agent began giving excuses and became evasive, only to later confess that he had used part of the money to settle his personal debts and squandered the rest on sports betting, boldly claiming there was nothing the victim could do about it.”

Following the development, the corps member was advised to pursue legal action. The matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

He has since been charged to court and remanded at the Agodi Correctional Facility pending further hearing on the case.

The incident has renewed concerns over fraudulent practices in the housing sector, particularly affecting young people and corps members posted to unfamiliar cities.

Authorities have urged prospective tenants to verify agents and documentation before making payments.