Chioma Nwosu
Legal Advisor
Land fraud remains one of the most common crimes in Nigerian real estate. Every year, thousands of buyers lose their savings to fraudulent titles, double sales, and forged documents. The good news: with the right verification steps, almost all of these risks can be eliminated before you sign anything.
Step 1: Request All Original Documents
Before any negotiation, ask the seller for originals — not photocopies — of all title documents. This includes the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment (if previously sold), and any Governor's Consent stamped on prior transactions.
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Registered Survey Plan
- Deed of Assignment (for resale properties)
- Governor's Consent (where applicable)
- Receipts of ground rent payments
Step 2: Conduct a Search at the Land Registry
Take the documents to the State Lands Registry and conduct an official search. This confirms the title is genuine, the name on the document matches the person selling, there are no encumbrances (e.g., mortgages or court orders), and the land is not government-acquired.
Never skip a registry search, even if the seller is a trusted friend or family member. A registry search costs a few thousand naira and can save you millions.
Step 3: Verify the Survey Plan
The survey plan shows the exact coordinates and boundaries of the land. Take the plan to a licensed surveyor who can physically verify the plot on-site, confirm the beacon numbers match the registry records, and check that the land does not fall inside a government acquisition zone.
Step 4: Engage an Independent Lawyer
Do not use the seller's lawyer. Engage your own independent solicitor to review all documents and conduct due diligence. Your lawyer should verify that any previous Deeds of Assignment were properly executed, stamped, and registered with the state.
Step 5: Physical Inspection
Visit the site personally. Speak to neighbours. Verify that the plot you see matches the survey plan. Check for any physical markers — beacons, fences, or boundary disputes — that could complicate your ownership in future.
At Lion of Judah Real Estate, every property we sell comes with fully verified documents and a dedicated legal team to guide buyers through the entire process. You should never have to navigate this alone.