The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) today sealed the premises of two real estate companies in the Federal Capital Territory over their failure to comply with directives issued to address consumer complaints.
The two real estates sealed are Ochacho Group worldwide, Life Camp, and Tibillion Construction Real Estate located in Wuse 2, Abuja, reports Daily Independent.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Marvin Nadah, said the action was a continuation of the Commission’s efforts to stop “obnoxious and exploitative practices” against consumers in the real estate sector.
According to him, “We had issued orders through a compliance notice to these entities that you have seen today and the other one we visited.
“In those orders, we had directed certain actions to be taken to address consumer complaints that were before us. This was in line with our law provided in Section 154 of the Act.
“However, these entities did not comply. As a result of the non-compliance, we have come and we have sealed the business premises.
“Basically, consumers had paid for properties that were not delivered in one case.
“In another case, after reviewing the matter, we had ordered the company to make a refund to the consumer, which was not carried out.”
According to Nadah, the Commission had issued compliance notices to the firms under Section 154 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), directing them to resolve outstanding consumer grievances.
He further explained that the complaints involved consumers who paid for properties that were not delivered, and cases where the Commission had ordered refunds that were not executed.
He clarified that court intervention was not required for the action.
“Section 154, particularly subsection 4, empowers us to seal any premises, among other powers, when there is non-compliance to a compliance notice,” he said.
Both affected entities operate as real estate companies engaged in land sales, property development, and property management.
The deputy director said further actions, including possible prosecution, would be determined after review, but noted that reopening the premises would require compliance with the Commission’s directives.
He advised consumers to “read the small prints” and seek advice before entering business agreements, adding that the FCCPC’s mandate remains to protect and promote consumer interests.
