Buying land in Nigeria is one of the most significant investments many people make. But it’s also one of the easiest ways to lose money if you’re not careful. From fake documents to family disputes and government acquisition, several traps await the unwary buyer.
Before you pay for that land, here are 5 legal red flags you must never ignore:
1️⃣ Missing or Invalid Title Documents
A genuine seller must have verifiable documents — such as a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Registered Survey Plan, or Deed of Assignment. Any seller who cannot produce these has no valid ownership to transfer.
2️⃣ Incomplete Family or Community Consent
Many lands are held by families or communities. If all principal members do not consent to the sale, the transaction can later be invalidated. Always insist on seeing all signatories.
3️⃣ Land Under Dispute or Litigation
A land that is the subject of a lawsuit cannot be validly sold. Conduct searches at the Ministry of Lands and check court records to confirm there are no pending suits.
4️⃣ Government Acquisition or Encumbrance
Some lands fall under government acquisition or are encumbered by mortgages. Conduct a land registry search to confirm that your intended property is free from such restrictions.
5️⃣ Unreasonably Low Prices or Rushed Deals
Fraudsters often lure buyers with “urgent sales” and “cheap deals.” If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Investigate the motive behind every rush sale.
Conclusion:
A few hours of legal due diligence can save you years of court battles and millions in losses.
At KpLaw LLP, our property law team helps clients verify land ownership, draft and review documents, and perfect titles — ensuring their investments are safe and compliant.
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