A recent court case in Ibadan offers a stark warning to prospective property buyers and a revealing look into the mechanics of land fraud. Nurani Afeez, 43, appeared before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of conspiracy, fraud, stealing, and forgery for allegedly swindling a woman of N2.2 million in a government land scheme.
The prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Ibrahim, presented a detailed account. He alleged that in June 2024, Afeez and accomplices still at large sold a building to Ms. Adeola Adeleke under false pretences. The core of the fraud was the property’s status: it was situated on land already acquired by the Oyo State Government for the critical Circular Road project in the Quarry Mogana area. This highlights a common scam tactic—selling property with defective or non-existent title, often targeting fast-developing areas where government acquisition is a real risk.
The case escalated from a simple misrepresentation to a sophisticated forgery operation. Ibrahim alleged that Afeez forged a police letterhead to prepare a land sale agreement, a move designed to lend illegitimate authority to the transaction and overwhelm the complainant with official-looking documentation. This underscores a critical lesson for buyers: always verify documents directly with the issuing agencies. A visit to the police command or the relevant lands ministry can expose such forgeries.
The legal framework invoked is robust. The charges contravene Sections 390(9) (stealing), 419 (fraud), 467 (forgery), and 516 (conspiracy) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. These sections collectively allow for significant penalties upon conviction, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system views such premeditated economic crimes.
In his ruling, Magistrate M. Mudashiru granted the defendant bail set at N1 million with two sureties in the same sum. The bail conditions are instructive: one surety must be a close relative (ensuring community accountability), and the other must present a three-year tax clearance certificate (establishing financial standing and traceability). These are standard judicial measures to ensure the defendant returns to face trial, which is now adjourned until March 3, 2026.
This case is more than a police blotter entry. It serves as a practical guide for due diligence. Before any land purchase, prospective buyers must: conduct a physical inspection and inquiry with local communities; verify title at the state lands registry to check for government acquisition or existing encumbrances; and insist on dealing with verified, direct owners or licensed agents. The N2.2 million loss alleged here is a painful reminder that the cost of vigilance is always less than the cost of fraud.
The adjournment provides time for a thorough prosecution, while the alleged victim’s experience stands as a cautionary tale for the market. As Ibadan expands, particularly around projects like the Circular Road, such scams may proliferate, making public awareness and rigorous legal checks indispensable tools for protection.
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