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Yes, the analysis of Lagos' property market is included in our pack
Property scams in Lagos have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting both local and international investors with fake documents and fraudulent schemes. The Lagos real estate market sees thousands of fraudulent transactions annually, with victims losing millions of naira to well-orchestrated scams involving forged Certificates of Occupancy, multiple property sales, and Omo-Onile extortion.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Nigeria, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Lagos property scams primarily involve fake documents, Omo-Onile extortion, and multiple sales of single properties to different buyers.
All property transactions must be verified through Lagos State Land Registry searches and proper documentation before any payments are made.
| Scam Type | How It Works | Prevention Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fake Documents | Forged C of O, survey plans, and deeds | Verify all documents at Lagos State Land Registry |
| Omo-Onile Extortion | Multiple payments demanded by "land families" | Work only with verified owners and lawyers |
| Multiple Sales | Same property sold to different buyers | Register immediately at Land Registry |
| Fake Agents | Unlicensed agents selling non-existent properties | Use LASRERA-verified agents only |
| Payment Fraud | Payments to wrong accounts or cash demands | Bank transfers to verified owner accounts only |
| Document Duplication | Duplicate receipts and agreements | Lawyer-prepared and witnessed documents |
| Government Acquisition | Selling land already acquired by government | Check excision status in Lagos Gazette |
What are the most common property scams people face in Lagos right now?
As of September 2025, the most prevalent property scams in Lagos include fake document fraud, Omo-Onile extortion, multiple property sales, and unlicensed agent schemes.
Fake or forged documents represent the most frequent scam type, involving counterfeit Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), survey plans, Deeds of Assignment, and Gazette copies that appear authentic but fail official registry verification. These documents often contain subtle errors in stamps, signatures, or registration numbers that only trained professionals can detect.
Omo-Onile extortion involves local "land-owning families" who demand multiple payments from property buyers, sometimes even after legal acquisition has been completed. These groups often use intimidation tactics and repeated fee demands, claiming traditional ownership rights over land already legally purchased.
Multiple sales fraud occurs when scammers sell the same property to different buyers using duplicate agreements and fake receipts. Only the buyer who successfully registers at the Lagos State Land Registry becomes the recognized legal owner, leaving other victims with worthless documents.
Nonexistent estate scams involve fraudsters selling properties in developments that don't exist or posing as licensed agents without proper LASRERA registration.
How can I verify that the person claiming to be the landlord or agent is the real owner of the property?
Verification of landlord or agent identity requires cross-checking ownership details at the Lagos State Land Registry and demanding comprehensive documentation.
Start by requesting a signed Landlord Verification Letter that includes government-issued identification, full legal address, and evidence of ownership. The signature and document numbers must match registry records exactly. Cross-check the owner's name and property details through the Lagos State Land Registry online portal or in-person verification.
Demand copies of all ownership documents including Certificate of Occupancy, Governor's Consent (for resales), Deed of Assignment, Survey Plan, and official Lagos State Gazette. All documents should show consistency in names, dates, and registry stamps without any discrepancies.
For agents, verify their license through LASRERA (Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority) directory and confirm their authorization to represent the property owner through written documentation.
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What are the reliable ways to confirm the property's title with the Lagos State Land Registry?
Title confirmation through the Lagos State Land Registry involves submitting official search applications either online or in-person to verify ownership and legal status.
Submit an official search application via the Lagos State Land Registry website or visit their offices in person with the property details and survey coordinates. The registry provides comprehensive information about true ownership, existing encumbrances, prior sales history, and whether the land is under government acquisition.
The registry search process typically takes 5-14 business days and provides official documentation of ownership status. This search is essential for confirming that the seller actually owns the property and has the legal right to transfer ownership.
Online searches can be conducted through the Lagos State Land Registry portal using property coordinates or survey numbers, while in-person searches may be necessary for more complex title histories or disputed properties.
How much should I budget for official property searches and verification in Lagos?
Official property searches and verification in Lagos typically cost between ₦125,000 to ₦375,000 ($85-250 USD) depending on the complexity of the transaction.
| Service Type | Cost Range (Naira) | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Title Search Fee | ₦15,000 - ₦25,000 | $10 - $17 |
| Governor's Consent Verification | ₦50,000 - ₦100,000 | $34 - $68 |
| Lawyer Due Diligence | ₦50,000 - ₦200,000 | $34 - $136 |
| Survey Plan Verification | ₦10,000 - ₦20,000 | $7 - $14 |
| Gazette Verification | ₦5,000 - ₦15,000 | $3 - $10 |
| Document Authentication | ₦15,000 - ₦30,000 | $10 - $20 |
| Registry Search Report | ₦20,000 - ₦40,000 | $14 - $27 |
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Which government-issued documents must I demand before paying anything for a property?
Before making any payment for Lagos property, you must demand six essential government-issued documents that prove legal ownership and transferability.
The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) serves as the primary title document proving legal ownership of the land or property. This document must be original, bear official government stamps, and match the seller's identification exactly.
Governor's Consent is required for all resales of property and must be obtained before any secondary transaction can be legally completed. This document confirms the government's approval for the ownership transfer.
The Survey Plan must be Lagos State-approved and show accurate property boundaries, coordinates, and land area measurements. This document prevents boundary disputes and confirms the exact property being sold.
A Deed of Assignment that has been stamped and registered with the appropriate Lagos State authorities proves the legal transfer of ownership rights from previous owners.
Lagos State Gazette documentation is essential for excised government land, showing that the land has been officially released for private ownership.
Official receipts of payment from the registered owner confirm all previous transactions and establish the chain of ownership leading to the current seller.
What red flags in a tenancy or sales agreement should I look out for in Lagos?
Lagos property agreements contain several red flags that indicate potential fraud, including inconsistent documentation, unusual payment clauses, and lack of legal oversight.
Inconsistent or misspelled names, mismatched dates, and absence of official registry stamps represent major warning signs of fraudulent agreements. All names must match exactly across all documents, and dates should follow a logical sequence showing proper ownership transfer.
Clauses allowing sellers to collect multiple payments or demand new "fees" without clearly defined amounts or purposes indicate potential ongoing extortion schemes. Legitimate agreements specify all costs upfront with no provisions for additional payments.
Refusal to allow independent verification, rapid payment demands, or pressure to sign immediately without legal review suggest fraudulent intent. Legitimate transactions allow sufficient time for due diligence and professional verification.
Lack of lawyer involvement, absence of witness signatures, or no official government acknowledgment indicates improperly prepared agreements that may not be legally enforceable.
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How do I confirm that the land I want to buy in Lagos is not under government acquisition or already sold to someone else?
Confirming land status requires verification through multiple government channels to ensure the property is not under acquisition or previously sold to other buyers.
All genuine land sales must be checked for government acquisition or litigation status at the Lagos State Land Registry, which maintains comprehensive records of all land transactions and government proceedings affecting specific properties.
Request a copy of the site plan and verify its excision status in the Lagos State Gazette, which publishes official notices of government land releases and acquisitions. This verification confirms whether the government has claimed or released the specific land parcel.
Cross-reference the property coordinates and survey numbers with registry records to identify any previous sales, pending litigation, or ownership disputes that could affect your purchase rights.
Conduct a comprehensive title search that reveals the complete ownership history, including any government acquisitions, court orders, or prior sales that might impact your ability to obtain clear title.
What steps should I take to avoid falling victim to fake or duplicate receipts and agreements in Lagos property deals?
Avoiding fake receipts and agreements requires demanding authentic documentation and involving qualified legal professionals in all transaction stages.
Demand receipts signed by the registered owner or their legally authorized agent, with government identification attached and contact information that can be independently verified. All receipts should include specific property details, payment amounts, and transaction dates.
Ensure all agreements are prepared and witnessed by a registered lawyer who is licensed with the Nigerian Bar Association and has experience in Lagos property law. These agreements must be stamped at a Lagos State court or notary office to be legally valid.
Verify the authenticity of all documentation by cross-referencing signatures, stamps, and registration numbers with official government records and the legal representative's credentials.
Maintain copies of all documentation and ensure that original documents are stored securely while working only with verifiable copies during negotiation stages.
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Which trusted platforms, agencies, or associations can I use to find licensed real estate agents in Lagos?
Several trusted platforms and professional associations provide directories of licensed real estate agents and verified property professionals in Lagos.
LASRERA (Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority) maintains the official directory of licensed real estate firms and individual agents operating legally within Lagos State. This government platform provides verification of agent licenses, complaint records, and registration status.
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Lagos branch offers professional membership directories of qualified estate surveyors and valuers who meet national professional standards and ethical requirements.
Verified online platforms such as Spleet Verify offer agent and landlord identity verification services, providing additional protection through background checks and credential verification for property professionals.
Professional real estate associations maintain member directories with complaint resolution procedures and professional insurance requirements that protect consumers from fraudulent practices.
How can I safely make payments for rent or property purchases to avoid fraud in Lagos?
Safe payment practices in Lagos require using verified banking channels and confirming recipient identity through multiple verification methods.
Make payments exclusively through bank transfers into corporate accounts representing registered firms or directly into verified accounts belonging to the registered property owner. Never accept cash payment requests or "urgent" transfer demands that bypass normal verification procedures.
Verify that the receiving account name matches exactly with the verified owner's legal name as shown in official documentation and government identification. Any discrepancies in names or account details indicate potential fraud.
Obtain and retain all bank transfer documentation, transaction receipts, and written acknowledgments bearing the receiving party's legal name and signature. These documents provide essential proof of payment for legal protection.
Avoid payment splitting arrangements where funds are directed to multiple accounts unless each recipient can be verified as legitimately involved in the transaction with proper documentation.
What legal professionals should I involve before signing or paying for any property in Lagos, and how much do they typically charge?
Property transactions in Lagos require involvement of qualified legal professionals including property lawyers, notaries, and potentially surveyors depending on transaction complexity.
| Professional Type | Service Provided | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Property Lawyer | Due diligence and legal review | ₦50,000 - ₦200,000 |
| Notary Public | Document authentication | ₦10,000 - ₦50,000 |
| Estate Surveyor | Property valuation | ₦30,000 - ₦100,000 |
| Legal Consultant | Transaction oversight | ₦25,000 - ₦75,000 |
| Title Verification Specialist | Document verification | ₦20,000 - ₦60,000 |
| Real Estate Lawyer | Complete transaction management | ₦100,000 - ₦300,000 |
| Property Consultant | Market analysis and advice | ₦15,000 - ₦50,000 |
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If I discover I have been scammed in Lagos property dealings, what are the immediate steps and authorities I should report to?
Discovering property fraud requires immediate action through multiple reporting channels and legal authorities to maximize recovery chances and prevent further losses.
Report immediately to LASRERA (Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority), which handles real estate fraud cases and maintains records of fraudulent agents and companies. LASRERA can investigate licensed professionals and take disciplinary action against violators.
File a comprehensive petition with the Lagos State Police Fraud Division, providing all documentation, payment records, and communication evidence. The fraud division specializes in property-related crimes and works with other agencies for investigation and prosecution.
Contact the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's primary anti-corruption agency that handles large-scale financial fraud cases, including real estate scams involving significant amounts or multiple victims.
Seek legal representation through the Nigerian Bar Association referral service to find lawyers specializing in property recovery and fraud litigation. Time-sensitive legal action may be necessary to freeze assets or secure court orders.
Document all evidence including contracts, payment receipts, communication records, and identification of all parties involved to support investigation and potential legal proceedings.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Property fraud in Lagos continues to evolve with increasingly sophisticated schemes targeting both local and international investors.
Success in avoiding these scams requires thorough verification processes, professional legal assistance, and working only with properly licensed and verified real estate professionals.