A shocking case of real estate fraud has unsettled Lagos residents after a tenant allegedly sold his landlord’s 4-bedroom duplex for ₦83 million and absconded with the money.
The disturbing incident was revealed by a Nigerian property lawyer, known as @theomonilelawyer on TikTok, who shared details of the elaborate scam. According to him, the tenant had lived in the property for seven years before orchestrating the fraudulent sale.
The tenant reportedly forged key legal documents — including a deed of assignment, survey plan, and receipts purportedly signed by members of the Okota family — to convince an unsuspecting buyer that the duplex was legitimately on the market.
After collecting the ₦83 million payment, the tenant allegedly requested a four-month grace period to “relocate,” giving the impression that he needed time to vacate the premises.
The fraud came to light when an agent noticed inconsistencies between the supposed sale and official records, which showed the property was still under tenancy.
The true owner of the duplex, who had been abroad during the transaction, has since returned to Nigeria. The case is now under police investigation.
Reacting to the development, the lawyer urged Nigerians to exercise caution when buying property, stressing the importance of thorough verification.
“Always confirm ownership before paying for any land or property. Don’t fall victim to scammers posing as landlords or family representatives,” he warned.
The case underscores the rising trend of property scams in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. Experts advise buyers to conduct due diligence, engage trusted professionals, and confirm ownership details through verified land registries before making payments.
