The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed Paradise Estate in Life Camp Extension, Abuja, following serious allegations of consumer rights violations.
The action was taken due to the estate’s alleged failure to deliver housing units to buyers despite receiving full payment.
The FCCPC also cited multiple public complaints and other offences as grounds for the enforcement.
According to the commission, numerous complaints had been lodged against Paradise Estate, but the management repeatedly failed to comply with regulatory directives.
The non-compliance prompted the FCCPC’s visitation and eventual sealing of the premises.
Speaking to reporters, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance, Marvin Nadah, noted that the developer was given a seven-day window to respond to an official summons but failed to comply.
In its defence, Paradise Homes’ Head of Legal, Mr Aloysius Ezenwa, argued that the transactions were protected under the existing “Contract of Sale.” The company expressed its dissatisfaction with the sealing, maintaining that the dispute is a contractual matter that should be settled before a tribunal.
However, the FCCPC maintained that its actions were lawful and that it had not been served with any court appeal to halt the process.
The commission reiterated its stance on prioritising the rights of Nigerian consumers and ensuring developers are held accountable.
It noted its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices and warned other real estate developers to adhere strictly to contractual obligations and consumer protection laws.
The FCCPC’s involvement in a housing complaint comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the organisation has the powers to investigate consumers’ complaints involving banks and other financial institutions.
The banks, the court ruled, are answerable to FCCPC. It dismissed a suit filed by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and slammed N2 million on it.
The decision has been described as a big win for bank customers.
In a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs Director, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s chief executive, Mr Tunji Bello, said, “This is a big victory for bank customers.”