Legal Risks Diaspora Nigerians Should Know Before Buying Property in Lagos
Introduction
For many Nigerians living abroad, buying a property in Lagos is both a dream and a major financial decision. Owning a home back in Nigeria represents stability, family legacy, and emotional connection. Yet, countless diaspora Nigerians have lost millions of naira to property scams, fake titles, and dishonest developers because they underestimated the legal complexities of the Lagos real estate market. Lagos, though vibrant and full of opportunity, is also notorious for property fraud, double sales, and encroachment disputes.
The truth is that purchasing property in Lagos from abroad requires more than just paying for a beautiful house or plot of land. It demands deep legal understanding, due diligence, and proper representation. Without professional guidance, one mistake could mean losing both your money and your peace of mind. This comprehensive guide explains the most common legal risks diaspora Nigerians face when buying property in Lagos, how to identify them, and the steps to avoid falling victim.
1. The Reality of Property Fraud in Lagos
The Lagos property market is profitable but largely unregulated. Unscrupulous individuals exploit this loophole by impersonating landowners, forging documents, or selling land belonging to others. Many Nigerians abroad have fallen victim because they relied solely on agents or family members without legal verification.
Fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated, presenting fake Deeds of Assignment, forged survey plans, or even cloned Certificates of Occupancy. Some create convincing websites and offices to lure buyers. Once money changes hands, the victims discover that the land is under government acquisition or that another buyer already holds a valid title.
The first step to safety is awareness: in Lagos, fraud can look legitimate until an experienced property lawyer investigates the title.
2. Buying from Unverified Agents or Developers
Many diaspora buyers rely on real estate agents or developers introduced by relatives. While some agents are genuine, others are completely unregistered or operate illegally. They may show you attractive properties but fail to disclose encumbrances or pending litigation.
Under Nigerian law, only registered companies or licensed practitioners should facilitate real estate sales. Always verify your agent’s registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). Chaman Properties works strictly with verified partners and ensures every listing undergoes legal and title verification before any transaction.
Buying through unverified agents is one of the most common legal traps for Nigerians abroad. Always involve a licensed lawyer before making any commitment.
3. Incomplete or Fraudulent Title Documents
A property’s title determines its true ownership. In Lagos, there are various forms of title: Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment, Registered Conveyance, and Excision. Fraudsters often present fake versions of these documents, sometimes with forged seals and signatures.
Some properties advertised as “C of O in view” or “Gazette in progress” are actually under acquisition by the government. Others may carry fake survey coordinates that do not match the actual land.
The only way to avoid this trap is to conduct a title search at the Lagos State Land Bureau, Alausa. A professional lawyer can verify whether the land is genuine, whether taxes are paid, and whether any encumbrance exists.
4. Double Sale and Multiple Ownership
Double sale occurs when a seller sells the same land or property to more than one buyer. It is one of the oldest scams in Lagos. The first buyer who registers their Deed of Assignment at the Lands Registry usually has the legal upper hand. Many diaspora investors lose their property rights because they failed to register on time.
If your lawyer is not involved early, the seller could collect your money and resell the same land to another person who quickly registers their title. This is why registration and perfection of title are essential immediately after purchase.
5. Buying Family or Communal Land Without Proper Consent
Family or communal lands are common in Lagos and Ogun border areas. Such lands belong collectively to a family or community, not to an individual. Fraud often arises when a single family member or community head sells land without the consent of other principal members.
Under Yoruba customary law, all principal family members must consent to the sale for it to be valid. If this is not done, the buyer can lose possession even after years of development.
Diaspora investors should never buy land from a family without confirming signatures from all principal members and the family head. Chaman Law Firm routinely drafts legally binding Family Deeds of Assignment to secure such purchases.
6. Government Acquisition and Encroachment Risks
Many areas in Lagos fall under government acquisition or planned urban projects. Land under acquisition cannot be legally sold without official release. Unfortunately, some fraudulent developers build on such land and sell to unsuspecting buyers.
When the Lagos State Government later enforces acquisition or demolition, the buyer bears the loss. To avoid this, your lawyer must conduct a land information search at the Lagos State Land Bureau. If the property is within acquisition, the lawyer can confirm whether it has been officially released or excised.
7. Unregistered or Unapproved Developments
Developers must obtain planning approval and building permits from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Some developers bypass these requirements, erecting illegal structures that may be demolished later.
Diaspora buyers often fall victim by purchasing apartments off-plan or through WhatsApp listings without verifying building approvals. A lawyer can cross-check the developer’s file with the authorities to ensure compliance before payment.
8. Lack of Written Contract or Proper Legal Agreement
Many buyers rely on verbal assurances or simple receipts. Without a professionally drafted Contract of Sale and Deed of Assignment, there is no binding proof of ownership.
A proper legal contract must define the property description, purchase price, obligations of both parties, completion timeline, and signatures. It should also reference the governing law and dispute-resolution mechanism.
At Chaman Law Firm, every sale goes through a legally vetted Contract of Sale before any transfer of funds or signing of title documents.
9. Failure to Conduct Survey Verification
A valid survey plan defines the land’s exact location, size, and boundaries. Fraudsters sometimes sell land using fake survey numbers that correspond to different locations. Your lawyer must cross-verify the survey with the Office of the Surveyor-General of Lagos State.
The survey coordinates must match the physical location. Without verification, you might buy land inside drainage channels, pipelines, or restricted zones.
10. Inheritance and Probate Risks
Some properties sold by relatives of deceased owners lack probate authorization. Under Nigerian law, the estate of a deceased person can only be sold by executors named in a valid Will or by administrators appointed by the Probate Registry.
If you buy from unauthorized relatives, the sale can be declared void. Always demand to see the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration before purchasing inherited property.
11. Currency Exchange and Payment Fraud
Diaspora buyers often pay in foreign currency, making them vulnerable to exchange manipulation or fake escrow arrangements. Some scammers claim to have “dollar accounts” but redirect funds to personal accounts.
All payments should go through traceable bank transfers and be acknowledged by a lawyer’s escrow letter or official company receipt. Never transfer funds to an individual without verification.
12. Ignoring Due Diligence and Verification Costs
Many buyers try to save costs by skipping due diligence. Yet, a single verification process is cheaper than losing an entire property investment. A lawyer’s due-diligence report covers title verification, land-use status, pending litigation, and tax compliance.
For diaspora clients, this process can be completed remotely with scanned documents and government verification receipts sent electronically.
13. Emotional or Family Pressure
Many Nigerians abroad fall into property traps because of emotional pressure from family members. Parents, siblings, or friends may insist on “quick investment” without legal checks. Some even collect money to “help” buy land, only for the property to be nonexistent.
Every investment decision must be based on verified legal information, not sentiment. It is always better to involve a professional lawyer who is neutral and accountable.
14. Ignoring Registration and Perfection of Title
Even after purchasing a property, failing to register the title at the Lagos Land Registry is risky. Under Nigerian law, only registered land titles are legally recognized. Unregistered deeds can easily be challenged in court.
The perfection process includes Stamp Duty, Registration, and Governor’s Consent. A lawyer can manage these steps while you are abroad. Once complete, you should receive certified copies and receipts from the Land Bureau.
15. Fraudulent Online Property Listings
The internet is filled with fake real estate listings targeting Nigerians abroad. Fraudsters copy genuine property photos from developers and advertise them on social media or listing sites with lower prices.
To protect yourself, deal only with verified websites, reputable law firms, or licensed agencies. Always cross-check the company’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and LASRERA.
Case Study: How a Diaspora Investor Avoided Fraud Through Legal Due Diligence
Mrs. Ogechi, a Nigerian-American based in Texas, saw a property listing for a five-bedroom duplex in Lekki Phase 1. The agent claimed the property had a Certificate of Occupancy and demanded a $50,000 deposit. Before payment, she contacted Chaman Law Firm for verification.
The firm conducted a search at the Lagos Land Bureau and discovered that the supposed C of O was forged. The land was under government acquisition, and the seller had previously defrauded other buyers. By acting promptly, Mrs. Ogechi saved over ₦120 million and later bought a verified home through Chaman Properties.
This case demonstrates the power of professional due diligence—it prevents loss, stress, and legal battles.
16. Legal Remedies If You Fall Victim
If you have already fallen victim to a fraudulent sale, immediate legal action is vital. Your lawyer can:
File a petition with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
Report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Institute a civil action in court for refund and damages.
Register a caution on the land title to prevent further resale.
Prompt reporting often helps recover funds or secure injunctions before the property changes hands again.
17. Role of Chaman Law Firm and Chaman Properties
For diaspora investors, the safest way to buy property in Lagos is through a transparent legal-and-real-estate partnership. Chaman Law Firm handles every legal aspect: due diligence, verification, documentation, registration, and title perfection. Chaman Properties sources only verified listings and oversees inspections, video walkthroughs, and transaction supervision.
Together, both entities form a secure bridge between you and Lagos real estate—offering you peace of mind, credibility, and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the biggest legal risk when buying property in Lagos from abroad?
The biggest risk is title fraud—buying property without verifying ownership at the Lagos Land Bureau.
2. Can I verify property documents remotely?
Yes. Your lawyer can conduct all searches and send scanned verification reports and government receipts to you abroad.
3. How do I know if a developer is genuine?
Ask your lawyer to confirm the developer’s registration with LASRERA and verify the project’s approval with LASPPPA and LASBCA.
4. What should I do before sending money to Nigeria?
Engage a lawyer first, request official invoices, and make all payments through traceable bank accounts tied to registered entities.
5. What legal documents must I insist on?
Contract of Sale, Deed of Assignment, Survey Plan, Receipt of Purchase, and Governor’s Consent or C of O.
6. Can Chaman Law Firm represent me while I’m abroad?
Yes. Through a properly executed Power of Attorney, the firm can represent you in all Lagos property transactions and deliver your documents abroad securely.
Conclusion
Lagos real estate remains one of the most lucrative markets in Africa, but it demands legal precision. For Nigerians in the diaspora, every property decision must be backed by law, verification, and trusted representation. Ignorance, sentiment, or shortcuts can lead to devastating loss.
By understanding the legal risks—fraudulent titles, double sales, unverified developers, and government acquisitions—you can make informed choices and protect your wealth. The solution is not to fear Lagos real estate but to invest wisely through proper legal channels.
Call to Action
Are you a Nigerian in the diaspora planning to invest in Lagos real estate? Do you want to verify titles, process documentation, or avoid legal pitfalls?
Let the experts handle it.
