How Can I Avoid Fake Property Sellers and Land Fraud in Lekki
Introduction
The dream of owning property in Lekki, Lagos, is one shared by thousands of Nigerians, both at home and abroad. Lekki has grown into a world-class residential and commercial hub — a magnet for luxury estates, waterfront homes, and profitable real-estate projects. From Lekki Phase 1 to Chevron, Ajah, Sangotedo, and Abraham Adesanya, the region represents wealth, prestige, and long-term investment value.
However, beneath this glittering promise lies a dark reality — the rise of fake property sellers, land speculators, and professional scammers who prey on unsuspecting buyers. These fraudsters often pose as estate agents, developers, or family representatives, producing forged documents that look 100% genuine.
Every year, dozens of investors lose their life savings to land scams in Lekki. Many pay for properties that belong to someone else, are under government acquisition, or have been sold multiple times. Others build on land that later gets demolished because it was illegally acquired.
The painful truth is that land fraud in Lekki is not caused by lack of opportunity — it’s caused by lack of due diligence. To buy safely, you must combine legal verification, professional guidance, and practical caution.
At Chaman Law Firm, we have helped countless clients recover from fraudulent property transactions, while preventing many others from falling victim in the first place. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about avoiding fake property sellers and land fraud in Lekki — the warning signs, the documents to verify, the legal steps to follow, and the professional assistance you need before making any payment.
Understand How Land Fraud Works in Lekki
Land fraud takes many forms, and scammers continue to invent new methods. To avoid being deceived, you must first understand how the fraud operates.
Common types include:
Multiple Sales of the Same Land: The seller sells one plot to several buyers, issuing fake receipts and duplicate deeds.
Forged Documents: Fraudsters forge Certificates of Occupancy, Governor’s Consents, or survey plans to appear legitimate.
Omo-Onile Fraud (Family Land Scam): Unscrupulous family members sell land without the consent of the true owners or family heads.
Government Acquisition Fraud: Land under government acquisition is sold illegally as “free land”.
Developer/Agent Fraud: Unregistered developers collect payment and disappear, leaving buyers stranded.
Fake Estate Scheme: Scammers create imaginary estates with flashy signboards and social-media ads to deceive investors.
By understanding these patterns, you can immediately identify suspicious offers.
Always Engage a Qualified Property Lawyer
The biggest mistake property buyers make is relying on agents or friends instead of a qualified real-estate lawyer.
A property lawyer’s job is to:
Conduct title verification at the Lagos State Land Registry.
Confirm the authenticity of all documents.
Identify encumbrances, liens, and government restrictions.
Draft and register legally binding agreements.
Protect your interest from fraud.
Never buy land without legal representation. Real-estate lawyers are trained to detect fake documents, suspicious clauses, and illegal transactions that ordinary buyers can’t see.
At Chaman Law Firm, our property verification team handles every due-diligence process — from document search to survey charting — ensuring that no client ever loses money to fake sellers.
Verify the Seller’s Identity and Ownership Claim
Before paying a single naira, confirm who actually owns the property. Many fraudsters pretend to be landowners when they are merely middlemen or impostors.
Steps:
Request a valid means of identification (National ID, passport, driver’s license, or CAC certificate if a company).
Check whether the name on the ID matches the title document.
Visit the property location and ask local residents who truly owns the land.
If it’s family land, ensure all principal family members sign the sale documents.
Remember: anyone can claim to own land — only documents can prove it.
Verify Title Documents at the Lagos State Land Registry
The Land Registry in Alausa, Ikeja is the official record of all registered property transactions in Lagos State. Your lawyer should conduct a search to confirm:
The authenticity of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent.
The registered owner’s name.
Whether the property is under government acquisition.
Any existing mortgages or encumbrances.
Whether it’s freehold, leasehold, or excised land.
Request a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the title for your records. This step is the single most important protection against fake sellers.
Verify the Survey Plan with the Office of the Surveyor General
Many scammers use fake or cloned survey plans. To verify, your lawyer or surveyor must chart the survey at the Office of the Surveyor General of Lagos State (OSGL).
The verification will show whether the land:
Falls within a government acquisition area.
Is part of a committed acquisition (cannot be sold).
Lies within an excision or gazetted area (safe to buy).
A land that has not been properly charted should not be purchased under any circumstance.
Verify with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
If you’re buying from a company or developer, check their registration status at the Corporate Affairs Commission. Many fake developers use non-existent or deregistered companies.
Request their:
Certificate of Incorporation.
Form CAC 7 or CAC 2A (Directors’ list).
Board Resolution authorizing the sale.
Tax clearance certificate.
Never transact with an unregistered business entity.
Confirm with the Estate Management or Developer’s Office
If the property is within a private estate (e.g., Pinnock Estate, Chevron Drive Estate, Northern Foreshore, or Lekki County Homes), contact the Estate Management Office. They will verify:
Whether the property is part of the estate’s master layout.
Whether the seller has approval to sell.
Whether there are outstanding service charges.
Whether the estate recognizes the seller as the owner.
A simple visit can save millions.
Avoid Buying Land Sold at “Suspiciously Cheap” Prices
In Lekki, genuine land prices follow a consistent range depending on location, infrastructure, and title. When a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.
Fraudsters often lure buyers with below-market prices or fake “distress sales.” Before you rush to pay, ask yourself:
Why is the seller in such a hurry?
Is the title defective?
Has the land been sold before?
Cheap land can end up costing you far more in legal trouble.
Don’t Pay Cash — Always Use Traceable Payment
Always pay into the official account of the seller or company. Avoid cash or personal payments. Use bank transfers for transparency and insist on:
Official receipts on company letterhead.
Acknowledgment letters.
Stamped invoices for corporate transactions.
These documents create an audit trail and serve as legal proof of payment.
Insist on a Deed of Assignment or Sublease
Every property transaction in Lekki must be documented through a Deed of Assignment (for individual sales) or a Deed of Sublease (for estate developments).
Without these, ownership cannot be transferred legally. Fake sellers often avoid issuing this document because they have no right to transfer the land.
Your lawyer must draft, stamp, and register the deed immediately after payment.
Conduct a Court Search for Pending Litigations
Many properties in Lekki are currently under litigation — often between families, developers, or estate owners.
Before buying, your lawyer should check the Lagos High Court (Land Division) to confirm that:
The land is not subject to ongoing lawsuits.
There are no caveats (warnings against transactions).
No court injunctions exist on the property.
Purchasing land in dispute makes you part of the lawsuit automatically.
Visit the Site and Meet Neighbours
A physical inspection is crucial. Visit the property, preferably with your lawyer or surveyor. Check that:
The land actually exists.
It matches the survey description.
It’s not already occupied or fenced by someone else.
There are no boundary disputes.
Talk to nearby landowners and community leaders. Locals often know the true ownership history.
Confirm Excision or Gazette Status
Large portions of Lekki land were originally under government acquisition. The government releases some portions back to communities through a process called excision, published in an official Gazette.
Ask for:
The Gazette name and number.
The Excision Approval Letter.
Verification at the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
If the land is not excised or gazetted, it remains government property — buying it is risky.
Verify Tax and Statutory Payments
Genuine landowners pay Land Use Charge, Ground Rent, and other statutory dues. Request recent payment receipts.
A seller who hasn’t paid these may not have full legal control over the land.
Avoid Middlemen — Deal Directly with Verified Owners
Many property scams occur through middlemen who pose as authorized representatives. Unless they produce a registered Power of Attorney, never deal with them.
Always meet the real owner or authorized company official.
Verify With the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA)
For developed land or land meant for construction, verify that the property has building plan approval. Unapproved buildings can be demolished by the government.
LASPPPA can confirm whether the site is within a legally approved development zone.
Don’t Be Pressured to “Pay Immediately”
Scammers use urgency to cloud your judgment. They’ll say things like:
“Someone else wants to buy it tomorrow.”
“The owner is traveling soon.”
“You must pay today to lock the price.”
Never rush. Genuine property sales follow a transparent legal process, not pressure tactics.
Conduct Independent Valuation
A professional valuer can estimate the true market worth of the property. If the seller’s price is far below or above valuation, something is wrong.
Request the Seller’s Lawyer Details
Every legitimate seller has legal representation. If the seller cannot produce their lawyer’s contact or law firm details, it’s suspicious.
Your lawyer can communicate directly with theirs for proper transaction documentation.
Perfect Your Title After Purchase
Even after buying, you must perfect your title at the Lagos State Land Registry by obtaining Governor’s Consent and registration.
Failure to perfect your title makes you vulnerable to third-party claims later.
How to Spot Fake Property Sellers
Red flags include:
Inability to show original documents.
Refusal to involve lawyers.
Inconsistent information.
Asking for quick cash payment.
Lack of verifiable office address.
Avoidance of physical site visits.
Aggressive marketing with no legal backing.
If you notice any of these signs, stop the transaction immediately.
How to Verify a Developer or Estate Company
Before investing in any Lekki estate:
Search their name on CAC’s public portal.
Check Google Maps or visit their office physically.
Request their previous clients’ testimonials.
Confirm the estate is approved by the Lagos State Government.
Protect Yourself with Written Agreements
All agreements should be written and signed by both parties. Never rely on verbal promises or WhatsApp chats.
Insist on:
Offer Letter or Memorandum of Understanding.
Deed of Assignment or Sublease.
Payment receipts.
Signed acknowledgement.
Report Suspicious Transactions Early
If you suspect fraud:
Contact your lawyer immediately.
Report to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
File a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if necessary.
Early action can help recover your funds and prevent others from being scammed.
Legal Remedies if You Fall Victim to Land Fraud
Victims of land fraud can seek redress through:
Civil Action – for recovery of land or refund of money.
Criminal Complaint – for forgery, obtaining by false pretence, or fraud.
Petition to EFCC or Police CID – for prosecution.
Court injunctions – to stop illegal development on the disputed land.
Your lawyer will guide you on the best remedy based on evidence and documentation.
The Role of LASRERA (Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority)
LASRERA regulates real-estate activities and agents in Lagos. Before dealing with an agent or developer, confirm they are registered with LASRERA.
You can check their official website or request a registration certificate.
How Nigerians in the Diaspora Can Avoid Scams
Diaspora investors face greater risk because they buy remotely. To stay safe:
Appoint a law firm to represent you.
Request virtual inspections (videos, photos, live calls).
Verify all documents before wiring funds.
Avoid buying through relatives alone.
Request official receipts and registered deeds.
At Chaman Law Firm, we provide Diaspora Verification Services that allow clients abroad to buy legally in Lekki without being scammed.
How Technology Helps Prevent Land Fraud
Modern verification tools such as GIS Mapping, Google Earth, and Lagos State Online Land Records make it easier to detect fake land and cloned surveys.
A property lawyer can combine these tools with registry searches for accurate results.
Always Involve the Police or Legal Witness in High-Value Deals
For multi-million-naira transactions, it’s wise to involve:
The Police Legal Department for verification.
A lawyer as witness during document execution.
A notary public for authentication.
These steps discourage fraudulent sellers.
Build a Relationship with a Trusted Law Firm
In property transactions, prevention is cheaper than cure. Having a trusted law firm like Chaman Law Firm handle all verifications gives you lifetime protection for all your property deals.
Conclusion
Buying property in Lekki can be one of the smartest investments of your life — or one of the most painful mistakes — depending on how careful you are.
Fake sellers are everywhere, armed with convincing stories and forged papers. But by following the right legal and professional steps, you can buy confidently and protect your investment.
Before you pay for any land or house, always remember:
Verify before you buy — never buy before you verify.
At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in property verification, land due diligence, title perfection, and legal advisory for clients across Lagos, Ogun, and Nigeria at large. Our team ensures you never fall victim to land scams again.
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