The agent collected my ₦1.8m rent, then disappeared. The real landlord showed up with court papers.

Two years ago I moved into this 'cheap' two-bedroom in Lekki Phase 1. The agent, one Mr. Femi, was smooth. Too smooth. He said the landlord was based in London and wanted a year upfront plus 'inspection fee'. ₦1.8m total. I paid. I was so proud of myself.

Three months later, a woman knocked on my door with a court order. The real owner. Mr. Femi was not an agent. He was a squatter who had been renting out the flat to different people for years.

I had 30 days to pack my life. I cried in my kitchen, on the floor, with my jollof rice burning on the stove. The shame was worse than the money.

I never got a kobo back. But now? I don't pay rent without seeing the landlord's C of O. And if an agent is too smooth, I run.

Lagos will humble you. Then teach you.