Top Real Estate Red Flags in Lagos You Must Never Ignore – If You Don’t Want to Cry Later
Buying property in Lagos can either be the best decision of your life or the fastest way to get scammed out of millions.
From “omo onile wahala” to “this land is government acquisition” shockers, the Lagos real estate jungle is not for the faint-hearted. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Before you sign anything or hand over one naira, watch out for these red flags — or prepare to join the long list of “victims turned prayer warriors.”
🚩 1. No Verified Land Documents (C of O, Deed, or Gazette)
If the seller can’t show a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or at least a government gazette, you’re playing with fire.
🔥 Red Flag: They keep saying, “We’ll process the papers after payment.”
Run.
🚩 2. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers (“Buy 1 Get 1 Free” in Lekki?)
They say the land is in Lekki, near Dangote refinery, dry land, instant allocation… and it’s going for ₦500k per plot.
Unless you’re buying in your dreams, that’s likely a bush in Epe with no access road or government interest.
💸 Real Talk: Lagos land isn’t cheap. If it sounds too sweet, check twice.
🚩 3. “Omo Onile” Extortion Is Ongoing
If you hear things like:
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“Omo onile will settle themselves after you buy”
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“We’ll handle the boys for you”
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“Just pay development fee, community levy, and traditional rites fee separately…”
That’s a scam in disguise.
😤 Red Flag: Multiple “unofficial” payments after buying land = endless wahala.
🚩 4. No Physical Allocation After Payment
Some companies sell land without allocating plots for months—or ever.
If they keep promising, “soon we’ll call for allocation,” and it’s been 6 months, that’s not a delay, it’s a red flag.
📍Tip: Only trust firms that do immediate or scheduled physical allocation with video/photo evidence.
🚩 5. No Access Road or Hidden in Swampy Area
If they take you on a site inspection and suddenly stop saying: “Let’s walk the rest of the way—it’s just 2 minutes trek,” be very afraid.
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No roads.
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No signboards.
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No development.
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Just bush and hope.
🌊 Red Flag: If it rains and the land vanishes, you just bought a mini ocean.
🚩 6. The Seller Is Always in a Hurry
Some agents will rush you like it’s JAMB registration deadline:
“Just pay now, tomorrow price go change!”
“Another person wan buy am, you get just today!”
This is the classic pressure tactic used by fraudsters.
⚠️ Red Flag: Any agent who rushes you doesn’t want you to think or investigate.
🚩 7. No Office, No Traceable Company Info
Before buying from any real estate brand, ask:
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Do they have a registered office?
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Are they registered with CAC?
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Any past legal cases?
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Is there a physical address on Google Maps?
If not, you’re just handing money to a ghost.
🚨 Final Advice: Always Do These Before You Pay
✅ Conduct a search at the Lagos State Land Bureau
✅ Visit the site yourself or send a trusted lawyer
✅ Record every conversation and get written agreements
✅ Don’t pay OMO ONILE without developer backup