3 Crucial Checks Before Buying Land in Nigeria – Don’t Become Another Victim!
Buying land in Nigeria should be an exciting milestone, but for many, it turns into a nightmare of scams and legal battles. At Landlord Direct, we’ve seen too many hardworking Nigerians lose their life savings to fraudulent deals.
Protect yourself by following these 3 non-negotiable verification steps – ignore them at your peril!
1. Verify ALL Land Documents – No Papers, No Deal! ❌
The Scam: Fake C of Os, forged signatures, and multiple sales of the same land are rampant.
How To Verify:
✓ Hire a lawyer to trace the root of title (full ownership history)
✓ Confirm seller’s name matches documents exactly
✓ Check for government stamps/seals on all papers
✓ Demand original documents (photocopies don’t count!)
🚨 Red Flag: If the seller says, “Just trust me, the documents will come later” – RUN!
2. Physically Inspect the Land – If You No Go See Am, You Go Hear Am! 👀
Common Traps:
• Flood-prone areas that become lakes in the rainy season
• High-tension power lines cutting through the property
• Hidden government road setbacks
Must-Do Checks:
✓ Visit personally (never send a representative)
✓ Go during the rainy season to see the flooding risks
✓ Ask neighbors about the land’s true status
✓ Verify boundaries with a surveyor
⚠️ Pro Tip: If the seller makes excuses to prevent inspection, it’s 100% a scam!
3. Meet the REAL Owner Face-to-Face – No ‘Connection Men’! 💯
The Danger:
So-called “agents” often pose as owners, collect payments, then vanish, leaving you to deal with the actual owner later.
Verification Steps:
✓ Demand to meet the registered owner in person
✓ Cross-check their ID against land documents
✓ Signatures must match perfectly
✓ Use bank transfers ONLY (never cash)
🔥 Golden Rule: “If the owner refuses to show their face or verify their identity online while your lawyer watches, especially when they are in a far location, or another country, do not pay any money.
SPECIAL WARNING: When the Owner is Abroad
Many fraudsters claim to be overseas owners to avoid scrutiny. Here’s how to protect yourself:
✓ Demand Notarized Power of Attorney (must be stamped by a Nigerian notary)
✓ Video Call Verification (WhatsApp/FaceTime with your lawyer present)
✓ The owner must show their passport next to their face during the call
✓ Use Escrow Payments (never pay directly)
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING:
If the owner:
• Refuses video calls
• Won’t show face/ID
• Pressures for quick payment
DO NOT PAY A KOBO! This is the #1 sign of an international scam.
