Kogi State Cracks Down on Fraudulent Land Documents

Kogi State government officials just shut down a massive land fraud operation that had been stealing public property for years. Hundreds of fake Certificates of Occupancy have been canceled, and illegally acquired government properties are being returned to public ownership.

State Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo revealed Thursday that investigations uncovered sophisticated fraud schemes in how land titles were processed. Many fraudulent certificates lacked proper documentation, had no corresponding government files, and bypassed required legal processes entirely.

The fraudsters got creative with their deception. Official codes were manipulated and misapplied to make fake documents look legitimate, fooling buyers and circumventing established procedures.

Fanwo reminded citizens that only the governor has constitutional authority to sign and validate Certificates of Occupancy in Kogi State. Any certificate issued outside this legal process is completely void and carries no legal weight.

The government is urging anyone who purchased land or property under questionable circumstances to come forward immediately. Officials want to help legitimate buyers verify their documents before enforcement actions begin.

The Ripple Effect

This crackdown protects honest families who saved for years to buy land, only to discover they'd been scammed. By restoring integrity to the property system, Kogi State is making it safer for residents to invest in homes and businesses without fear of losing everything to fraud.

The move also sends a powerful message that government resources belong to the public, not corrupt officials. Recovered properties can now be used for schools, hospitals, housing projects, and other community needs.

Fanwo warned that anyone involved in issuing fake certificates or illegally seizing government property will face prosecution. The state government has committed to transparency and accountability in all future land transactions.

Kogi State is proving that cleaning up corruption is possible when officials have the courage to investigate and act. The era of land fraud in this Nigerian state is officially over.