Buying land or property in Nigeria is one of the biggest financial decisions anyone can make, and it deserves to be handled with serious caution. Many people rush into real estate deals because they’re excited about owning property, but this excitement can easily lead to costly mistakes.

The Nigerian property market is full of dishonest individuals who prey on unsuspecting buyers. From the notorious Omo Oniles (land grabbers) who sell the same plot to multiple people, to fake agents and self-proclaimed developers who collect money and vanish without a trace, the risk is real. This is why every potential buyer must approach property transactions with due diligence and patience.

Before you commit to any deal, there are certain red flags you should never ignore. Here are the critical Red Flags you must watch out for before you sign any paper or transfer one kobo:

The Siren Song of the Too-Good-To-Be-True Price

The first red flag that must immediately raise your suspicion is when the price of the land or house is unbelievably low compared to the market rate in that specific area. Scammers often use this tactic to lure unsuspecting buyers who are looking for a fantastic deal.

You see a full plot in a choice estate, and the seller is calling a price that is half of what every other person is selling for. This should tell you something is not correct. You need to ask yourself: if this property is so valuable, why is the owner desperate to sell it cheaply?

More often than not, the land is either under a severe court dispute, it has been marked as “government committed” (acquired for public use), or it is simply a phantom property that does not even exist. Do not let greed blind you; if the deal is too sweet, just know “e get why.”

Undue Pressure for a “Sharp-Sharp” Transaction

Any sign that the seller or agent is attempting to hurry you into making a payment without sufficient time for verification is a massive red flag.

They will use high-pressure language, telling you, “There are multiple buyers interested,” or “The price is going up in the next 48 hours, so you must pay now now!” This is a deliberate strategy to exploit the buyer’s Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) and prevent you from performing your essential due diligence.

A legitimate property transaction is a serious, long process that involves legal searches and verification at the Land Registry.

If they are pushing you to close the deal and transfer money within a day or two, you need to step back, calm down, and politely insist on following due process. If they object or try to bully you, it is a clear sign you should walk away immediately.

Missing, Forged, or Incomplete Documents

Land ownership in Nigeria is primarily about having a clean title and valid documentation. If the seller cannot produce all the necessary legal documents such as a registered Survey Plan, a verifiable Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), or a clear Deed of Assignment. It is a colossal red flag.

Scammers often present forged documents that look real to the naked eye or give flimsy excuses for why they only have “a copy” or why “the original is processing.”

You must insist on seeing the documents, and more importantly, you must get your lawyer to verify their authenticity directly at the State’s Land Registry and Surveyor-General’s Office.

A property that only has a vague “Excision in Process” title, or one where the names on the documents do not match the seller’s identity, is a disaster waiting to happen.

Insistence on Untraceable Cash Payments or Personal Transfers

This is a favourite tactic of fraudsters because it provides them with a clean escape route.

If the seller or agent strongly insists that you pay for the property in physical cash or instructs you to transfer the huge sum of money into their personal savings account, you should be extremely cautious.

These methods of payment are designed to leave no official paper trail connecting the funds to the property or the corporate entity. Later on, the scammer can easily deny ever receiving the money, and you will have no official proof of payment for the land itself.

To protect yourself, always ensure all funds are paid via bank transfer to the official, verified corporate account of the registered owner or the real estate company, and always, always collect a proper, dated official receipt detailing the exact purpose of the payment.

Dealing with Ghost Agents and Unending Omo Onile Demands

Beware of any so-called agent who operates without a verifiable physical office address, prefers to conduct all meetings in random public places, and cannot provide a track record or company registration.

A legitimate real estate professional will have a fixed, traceable location. Furthermore, be wary of sellers who expose you to the notorious Omo Onile (land grabber) syndicate.

The red flag here is the appearance of multiple groups or family members demanding different, unexpected payments for foundation, decking, or ‘community settlement’, after you have already paid for the land.

Buying from reputable estates with clean, government-issued titles (like a Gazette or C of O) is the best way to bypass the Omo Onile wahala altogether.

Final Thoughts

Investing in land or property in Nigeria can be a rewarding venture if done wisely and carefully. Don’t let the excitement of becoming a landlord or property owner make you overlook due process.

Always verify every document, involve a trusted lawyer or real estate professional, and take your time before signing or paying for anything. A little caution today can save you from losing millions tomorrow.

You can also use MyPlace.ng to find people who want to buy or sell properties across Nigeria. It’s a good place to start your search and connect with others in the real estate market.

But always remember that you must still do your own checks and confirm that everything is real and safe before you pay. When it comes to land or property, it’s always better to be slow and sure than fast and sorry.