When purchasing your ideal land in Ibadan, are you concerned about becoming a victim of a land scam? Do you want to know the signs to look out for, that will help you avoid being a victim to land scammers and losing your hard-earned money?

In this post, I am going to highlight proven strategies to guard yourself from scammers and ensure your property investment is safe and secure.

Before I go further, what exactly is “land scam”? A land scam happens when dishonest people sell lands they don’t own or sell one land to multiple buyers. This can cost you millions of naira and years of legal battles, if not careful.

The good news is that with the right knowledge and careful steps, you can avoid these scams completely. Let’s explore how to protect your investment and buy land safely in Ibadan.

Common Types of Land Scam in Ibadan

1. Multiple Sale Scams

This is the most common land scam in Ibadan and some part of the country. Fraudulent people sell the same piece of land to different buyers. Each buyer pays money and gets documents, but only one person can legally own the land.

When buyers try to develop their land, they discover other people also claim to own it. This leads to expensive court cases that can last for years.

2. Fake Document Scams

Some scammers create fake land documents that look real. They use these false papers to sell land they don’t own. Buyers think they’re buying a legitimate property until they try to enforce ownership.

These fake documents can include forged certificates, survey plans, and deed of assignments that appear genuine but have no legal value.

3. Family Land Disputes

In some cases, one family member sells land without getting permission from other family members. Later, other relatives come forward to claim the land, creating legal problems for the buyer.

This type of land scam in Ibadan often involves family inheritance disputes that buyers get caught up in, unknowingly to them.

4. Government Acquisition Scams

Some of the land scammers usually don’t tell buyers that the government has plans to acquire the lands for public project in the future. Buyers purchase the land only to discover that they must give up the land for government use in the future.

While the government usually pays compensation, it’s often less than what buyers paid originally to acquire the land.

Warning Signs of Land Scam in Ibadan

1. Extremely Low Prices

If a land deal seems too good to be true, it probably has some issues. Scammers often use very low prices to attract buyers quickly. Always check current market rates for similar land in the same area before proceeding with purchase.

Land selling for much less than the market rate should raise enough red flags for you. Legitimate sellers price their land fairly based on location and current market values.

2. Pressure to Buy Fast

Scammers often pressure buyers to make decisions fast without enough time to think. They might say other buyers are interested or that prices will go up soon. Legitimate sellers give you time to think and do proper checks.

Take your time to verify everything before making any payments. Good land deals don’t disappear overnight.

3. Incomplete or Missing Documents

Be careful if sellers can’t provide all documents or make excuses about missing papers. All legitimate land sales should have proper documents available for review by the buyer.

Sellers who avoid showing documents or promise to provide them later are often running a “scam show”.

4. Cash-Only Transactions

While cash payments are common in Nigeria, be extra careful with sellers who insist only on cash and avoid bank transfers. Bank transfers create paper trails that can help if problems arise later.

Scammers prefer cash because it’s harder to trace and recover if something goes wrong.

How to Protect Yourself from Land Scam in Ibadan

1. Verify All Documents Properly

Before buying any land, verify every document carefully. Take all papers to the appropriate government offices to confirm they’re genuine. Essential documents include:

  • Survey plan from a licensed surveyor

  • Deed of assignment from legal practitioner

  • Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

  • Family consent letters (for family land)

Never rely on photocopies. Always insist on seeing original documents and verify them at government offices.

2. Conduct Thorough Title Searches

Visit the Land Registry to conduct a proper title search. This helps you have insight into the complete ownership history of the land and reveals existing claims or disputes.

A title search will show you:

  • Who owns the land legally

  • Previous sales or transfers

  • Court cases involving the land

This is a very important step for avoiding land scam in Ibadan situations.

3. Use Qualified Professionals

Engage verifiable real estate developers, agents, lawyers, and surveyors who know Ibadan well. These professionals can spot scams and guide you through the buying processes, making sure you’re safe.

Choose professionals with good reputations and proper certifications. Don’t use agents recommended by sellers, as they might be working together to scam buyers.

4. Visit the Land Multiple Times Before Payments

Visit the property several times at different times of the day and days of the week. This helps you spot any unusual activities or competing claims to the land.

Talk to neighbors and people in the area. They often know about land disputes or problems that might not be obvious to you, as an outsider.

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5. Have a Meeting with All Family Members

If the land you’re buying seems to be a family land, insist on meeting all family members who have rights to the property. Get written consent from all of them before proceeding with the purchase.

Family disputes are a major source of land scam in Ibadan problems. Making sure all family members agree prevents future conflicts and disputes.

6. Check Government Records

Verify that the land isn’t earmarked for government acquisition or development projects. Check with local government offices and planning authorities.

Also confirm that the land use matches what you intend to do with it. Residential land can’t be used for commercial purposes without proper approvals.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. Sellers Who Avoid Questions

Be suspicious of sellers who get defensive or avoid answering direct questions about the land’s history, documentation, or legal status.

Sellers who are legitimate are happy to provide information and answer all your questions clearly.

2. No Physical Address

Avoid dealing with sellers who don’t have proper offices or physical addresses. Meeting only in public places or communicating only by phone are warning signs.

Serious sellers have established offices where you can find them if problems arise later.

3. Inconsistent Information

Watch for sellers who give different information at different times or whose stories don’t match the documents they provide.

Keep notes of what sellers tell you and compare this information with official documents and what you learn from your own research.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

1. End Payment Process Immediately

If you notice warning signs, end every intention to make payments right away. Don’t let sellers pressure you into continuing with transactions, once it gets suspicious.

2. Report Land Scam in Ibadan to Authorities

Report suspected land scam in Ibadan cases to the police, EFCC, and necessary government bodies. This helps protect other buyers and might help you recover your money.

3. Seek Legal Help

Contact a qualified property lawyer immediately if you think you’re involved in a scam. Early legal action can sometimes prevent total loss of your investment.

4. Document Everything

Ensure to keep transaction records, communications records, and all documents related to your transaction. This evidence will be important if you need to take legal action.

Conclusion

Safeguarding yourself from land scam in Ibadan requires careful attention to detail and proper verification of everything regarding your property purchase. By following these guidelines, you can avoid most scams and buy land safely.

Remember that taking time for proper checks is always worth it. The few weeks you spend verifying everything can save you from years of legal problems and financial loss. Never rush into land purchases, no matter how good the deal appears. Legitimate opportunities will still be good after proper verification, while scams usually fall apart under careful examination.

Are you ready to buy land in Ibadan safely? Contact us at GLE Properties by talking to Timothy Moyofola on +2348064003456 for properties that are secure and legally free from all issues.