Lagos is full of land investment opportunities — but it’s also full of land scams. Every year, buyers lose millions of naira to fake agents, "omo onile" fraud, and land disputes.
Want to avoid falling victim?
This 2025 guide shows you exactly how to spot fake land deals in Lagos and the major red flags you must never ignore — whether you're buying your first plot or investing for the future.
1. The Seller Has No Legal Documents
If the seller can’t provide valid land documents, walk away.
Required Legal Documents to Request:
| Document | What It Proves |
| Survey Plan | Location and boundaries of the land hub |
| Deed of Assignment | Ownership transfer from a previous buyer |
| C of O / Gazette | Legal ownership from Lagos State government |
| Governor’s Consent | Legally required to resell land in Lagos |
| Receipt of Payment | Shows the land was paid for |
Red Flag: If the seller says “the land is legit, just trust me” but has no proof — run.
2. No Physical Access or Site Visit Allowed
If the seller won’t let you inspect the land physically, they’re likely hiding something.
What to Do:
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Visit the land with your own surveyor or lawyer
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Confirm boundaries with nearby property owners
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Ask locals if the seller truly owns it
Pro Tip: Be cautious if the land is bushy, waterlogged, or has no access road — it could be unsuitable or disputed.
3. “Too Good to Be True” Prices
Lagos land is valuable. If the price is way below market value, it’s likely a scam.
| Example Scenario | Warning Sign |
| Land in Lekki for ₦3M | Highly suspicious |
| No development fee required | Unusual for estate lands |
| Zero documentation but “urgent sale” | High-risk, possibly fraudulent |
Do your research. If other properties in that area cost ₦15M and one is ₦4M, something’s wrong.
4. Agent or Seller Pressures You to Pay Immediately
Scammers love creating urgency:
“You must pay today — someone else wants it!”
This is a scare tactic to push you into paying without verification.
What to Say:
“I’ll involve my lawyer and do a proper land search. If it’s legit, I’ll return.”
Never rush land payment without:
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Document review
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Land search
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Lawyer's advice
5. Omo Onile Harassment & Multiple Claims
"Omo onile" (land thugs or traditional owners) can sell the same land to multiple people or demand payment after you’ve bought the land.
Signs You Might Be Dealing With Omo Onile Fraud:
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You’re asked to “settle the boys” after purchase
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Different families claim ownership of the same plot
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You're told not to build without paying extra “community fees”
Avoid any land not properly excised, gazetted, or legally titled.
6. No Verified Coordinates or Survey
Even with documents, always verify the land’s coordinates at the Lagos State Surveyor General’s Office.
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
| Coordinates match location | Confirms land isn’t fake or copied |
| Not in government-acquired area | Ensures land is not reserved for public use |
| Boundary accuracy | Prevents disputes with neighbors |
7. The Seller Refuses a Land Search
If the seller doesn’t want you to conduct a land search at the Lagos State Land Registry, it’s almost always a red flag.
What a Land Search Reveals:
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Title validity
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Previous owners or pending litigation
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If land is under acquisition or encumbrance
A real landowner will encourage a search — only scammers get defensive.
Smart Checklist: How to Avoid Fake Land Deals in Lagos
| Safety Measure | Action Required |
| Verify documents at Land Registry | Use a real estate lawyer |
| Visit land in person | Go with a surveyor and ask locals questions |
| Conduct a full land search | Check title, disputes, government ownership |
| Pay only after legal clearance | Use bank transfer with proper documentation |
| Always use a lawyer | Draft your Deed of Assignment & receipt |
| Avoid “family land” without agreement | Get court-granted ownership or consent |
Conclusion
Lagos is full of real estate opportunities — but also full of land scams and fake deals. If you want to buy land and sleep well at night, don’t cut corners.
Verify everything. Ask questions. Use professionals. And most importantly — don’t fall for urgent sales or cheap land traps.
