A shocking case of real estate fraud has emerged in Lagos after a tenant allegedly sold his landlord’s 4-bedroom duplex for a staggering ₦83 million and vanished with the proceeds.
The story was revealed by a Nigerian property lawyer, @theomonilelawyer, who shared the details via TikTok. According to him, the tenant had occupied the property for seven years before pulling off the elaborate scam.
How the Tenant Pulled Off the Fraud
The tenant reportedly forged multiple documents — including a deed of assignment, survey plan, and receipts purportedly signed by the Okota family — to convince a buyer that the duplex was legitimately up for sale.
After securing the ₦83 million payment, the tenant even requested a four-month grace period to “relocate,” claiming he needed time to settle elsewhere.
How the Scam Was Exposed
The fraudulent deal began to unravel when an agent noticed inconsistencies. The buyer was led to believe the house was vacant and for sale, but records showed it was actually under tenancy.
The true owner of the duplex, who had been outside the country, has since returned to Nigeria. The matter is now under active police investigation.
Lawyer’s Warning to Property Buyers
Reacting to the case, the lawyer issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers of rushing into property purchases without proper checks.
“Always verify ownership before paying for any land or property. Don’t fall victim to scammers parading as landlords or family representatives,” he cautioned.
Conclusion
This incident is a reminder of the rising cases of property scams in Lagos and across Nigeria. Buyers are urged to conduct due diligence, hire trusted professionals, and confirm ownership documents from verified land registries before parting with their hard-earned money.
