Title: “DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE TRAP!
Why Verifying Land Ownership is a Must in Lagos and Abuja”
Are you dreaming of owning a piece of land in Lagos or Abuja? Hold on to your hard-earned cash until you read this!
Buying land in these bustling cities can be a thrilling venture, but it’s essential to beware of the pitfalls. Unverified land ownership can lead to a lifetime of regrets, financial losses, and legal battles. Many have falling into it, don’t be the next.
Imagine this:
1. You purchase a plot of land in any part of Lagos, only to discover it’s a disputed property, tied up in a web of court cases. Remember that whatever title documents given to you would not carry such tag as “disputed land” only thorough verification can uncover that.
2. You invest in a plot in Abuja, but the seller vanishes, leaving you with a fake title document.
3. You build your dream home, only to receive a demolition notice from the government, stating the land belongs to someone else!
Don’t let this nightmare become your reality!
Before signing that dotted line, make sure to:
1. Verify the seller’s identity and ownership documents.
– Ask for the seller’s valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) and a sworn affidavit confirming ownership.
– Check if the seller is the genuine owner or has the legal authority to sell the land.
– Be cautious of fraudulent documents; verify the authenticity of the documents with the relevant authorities.
A woman came to my office one time with a cry that the person that sold land to her was not the owner of that land. The papers were genuine, but stolen. Ensure that you verify who is selling to you if he is the true owner or has the authority to sell. If this is difficult you, engage the service of a qualified lawyer, you will reduce your chances of fallen into that scam.
2. Conduct a thorough search at the land registry to ensure the land is free from encumbrances.
– Visit the Lagos State Land Registry or Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) to search for the land’s records.
– Check for any encumbrances, such as outstanding debts, court cases, or competing ownership claims.
– Verify the land’s status, ensuring it’s not a disputed or government-acquired property.
- A thorough search at the Lagos land registry would save you a whole lot. If the land is not yet registered and you still want to buy it, consult a lawyer to help you to verify the seller (individual/family). Abuja lands legally belongs to the Federal government, being administered by the Minister of FCT, though there are few portions that were added to the indigene/settlers. Therefore, you either get a direct allocation from the FCDA or you purchase from someone who have already got the allocation. Before you part with your money, ensure that you carry out a legal search at Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) office to confirm the land. Every issue on the land is registered at AGIS.
3. Engage a reputable lawyer to review the documents and ensure due diligence.
– Hire a lawyer experienced in property law to examine the sale agreement, title documents, and other papers.
– They’ll help you identify potential issues and ensure the seller has the legal right to sell the land.
– Your lawyer can also draft a sale agreement that protects your interests.
Not all documents are genuine or complete. A man bought a land in one of the Area Council in Abuja but did not verify it before payment not knowing that the seller is not the original allottee, he bought from someone else and have changed the name on the titlw document to his. That was not an issue but it requires that he transfer the document of the original allottee to the new owner, which he did not. The land office will not attend to any changes document without the original allottee document, and that became a big problem for him because the last seller could no more be located after about 10+ years.
4. Inspect the land physically to ensure it matches the description.
– Visit the land to ensure it matches the description and has no visible encumbrances (e.g., buildings, fences).
– Check the land’s boundaries, ensuring they align with the survey plan.
– Take photos and videos as evidence of the land’s condition.
There are cases where the seller agent takes you to a different land from the one that is being marketed to you. Why you must physically inspect the land, engage the service of a qualified Land Surveyor to confirm that the land is true and same that is being marketed.
By following these steps, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to land fraud or disputes in Lagos and Abuja. Remember, due diligence is key to a stress-free land purchase! A little patience and diligence can save you from a lifetime of headaches. Don’t let the allure of a “good deal” cloud your judgment.
Stay vigilant, and always prioritize verification. Your dream property is worth the extra effort!
Share this post with someone who needs to hear this! Let’s spread the word and avoid the pitfalls of unverified land ownership in Lagos and Abuja.
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