Fresh Students Raise Alarm Over Alleged House Agent Scam Around AE-FUNAI

Fresh students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, have raised concerns over alleged scams involving house agents while searching for accommodation around the university community. Some of the affected students reportedly paid money to individuals presenting themselves as house agents or accommodation intermediaries, only to encounter problems after making payments. According to complaints circulating among students, some freshers were allegedly shown houses or rooms advertised as available for rent, but later discovered that the accommodation was either unavailable, already occupied, or connected to a different landlord or agent. The situation has reportedly left some students frustrated, particularly those who travelled from outside the area and arrived in the university community expecting to secure accommodation before or shortly after resumption. The complaints have also triggered warnings among students and members of the university community about the need to properly verify accommodation agents before making payments. Fresh students, many of whom are unfamiliar with the surrounding communities, can be particularly vulnerable because they may depend on people they meet around the school environment or online accommodation groups for assistance in finding rooms. In some cases, students may be pressured to make immediate payments to “secure” a room because of claims that other students are already interested in the property. Students are now being advised not to transfer money simply because an agent sends pictures or videos of a room. For affected students, the issue goes beyond losing money. Some reportedly had to continue searching for accommodation after discovering that arrangements they had paid for did not materialise as expected. This has added pressure to students who are already dealing with registration, school fees, transportation and other expenses associated with beginning university life. Freshers are therefore being encouraged to physically inspect accommodation, meet the actual landlord where possible and confirm the ownership or management of a property before making substantial payments. The complaints have also renewed calls for stronger awareness among newly admitted students about accommodation arrangements around AE-FUNAI. Students familiar with the area have urged freshers to seek recommendations from trusted returning students, departmental groups, student leaders and other reliable sources before dealing with unfamiliar agents. Where an agent claims to represent a landlord, students are also advised to independently verify the claim instead of relying solely on the agent’s word. Students searching for accommodation around AE-FUNAI can take several precautions:
– Inspect the room personally before making payment.
– Ask to meet the landlord or authorised property manager.
– Verify that the person collecting money is genuinely connected to the property.
– Avoid rushing into payment because of claims that a room will be given to someone else.
– Keep receipts, transfer evidence, chats and other records of transactions.
– Be cautious of agents demanding full payment before showing the actual accommodation.
– Ask trusted students familiar with the area for recommendations.
– Report suspected fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities.
The allegations have not been independently established against any particular individual, and affected students are encouraged to preserve evidence and make formal reports where they believe they have been defrauded. For many new AE-FUNAI students, securing accommodation is an important part of settling into university life. The recent complaints serve as a reminder that students should take extra precautions before handing over money to unfamiliar house agents.
Freshers are urged to verify first and pay later.