Kogi State Cracks Down on Land Fraud, Reclaims Property

Land ownership just got a lot more secure for honest residents of Kogi State, Nigeria. The state government has exposed a network of fraudulent land certificates and taken bold action to protect legitimate property owners from scams that have plagued the system.

Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo announced Thursday that investigators discovered extensive irregularities in how Certificates of Occupancy were being issued. Many certificates lacked proper documentation, official files, or followed any legal procedures whatsoever.

The state has now invalidated every fraudulent certificate uncovered in the investigation. Only the governor has constitutional authority to sign and validate these critical documents, yet fake certificates had been circulating widely.

Properties acquired through these illegal means are being reclaimed by the government. Officials are urging anyone involved in questionable land transactions to verify their documents with the appropriate authorities immediately.

Those found responsible for the fraudulent activity face prosecution. The government is making it clear that land-related corruption will not be tolerated going forward.

The Ripple Effect

This crackdown does more than recover stolen property. It restores faith in a system that ordinary families depend on to secure their homes and businesses.

When land records become corrupted, honest people lose their life savings to scammers. They invest in property only to discover their deed is worthless. Small business owners can't get loans because their collateral documentation is suspect.

By cleaning up the certificate process, Kogi is protecting future generations from these devastating losses. Transparent land ownership records mean families can build generational wealth without fear of fraud.

The move also sends a powerful message that accountability matters. In regions where corruption has eroded public trust, decisive anti-fraud action helps restore confidence in government institutions.

Fanwo emphasized the administration's commitment to transparency and protecting public assets, declaring that "land-related fraud and impunity are now history in Kogi State."