The Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen efforts against fraud and other illegal activities in the state’s real estate sector. The collaboration aims to improve transparency, protect property buyers and investors, and restore public confidence in land and housing transactions.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement, state officials said the partnership will focus on identifying fraudulent real estate schemes, investigating land-related financial crimes, and strengthening enforcement against individuals and organisations involved in property scams. The initiative is also expected to enhance information sharing between both institutions to improve regulatory oversight.

The government noted that the rapid growth of Lagos’ real estate market has created opportunities for fraudulent land transactions, fake property allocations, multiple sales of the same property, forged land documents, and unregistered estate developments. Authorities said stronger collaboration with the EFCC will help reduce these practices and improve accountability across the sector.

Officials also urged prospective property buyers and investors to carry out proper due diligence before purchasing land or housing units. They advised members of the public to verify property ownership, confirm land titles with relevant government agencies, and engage qualified legal and real estate professionals before completing transactions.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes within the real estate industry, stressing that fraudulent activities undermine investor confidence, discourage legitimate investment, and negatively affect economic development.

Stakeholders welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards sanitising Nigeria’s real estate market. They called for stronger regulation, digital land administration systems, improved property registration processes, and greater public awareness to reduce fraud and promote a more transparent property sector.

The Lagos State Government reiterated that protecting investors and ensuring integrity within the real estate industry remain key priorities as the state continues to attract local and international investment in housing and infrastructure development.

Focus Keyphrase

The post Lagos Partners EFCC to Tackle Real Estate Fraud appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned six men before Justice Onah Sergius of the Federal High Court 2, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

The suspects, Emmanuel Edet Okon, Essein Edem Archibong, Edet Sam Udoh (also known as Enobong Clement Etim), Edwin Etim, Anthony Christopher Atauyo, and Imaikop Okon Dickson, face charges linked to alleged land fraud.

The defendants are charged with three counts involving money laundering, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.

One of the counts alleges that in July 2025, using a United Bank for Africa account (1027675758), the suspects unlawfully took possession of ₦5,980,000, knowing it formed part of proceeds from fraud.

The act contravenes Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

All six accused pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmoud, requested the court to schedule a date for witness testimonies to establish the case. Meanwhile, the defence, represented by Peter Ekpo, Nsikak Edet, and Emmanuel Udoi, sought a short date to allow the prosecution to file formal bail applications.

Justice Onah adjourned proceedings to November 24, 2025, for bail hearing and trial and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Uyo.

The case originated from a petition by Aniekan Etukudo Koffi, who accused the suspects of defrauding him of ₦6 million. Koffi alleged the men sold him a plot of land in Ifa Ikot Ubo, Ifa Ikot Okpon-Etoi, Uyo Local Government Area. After payment, he was unable to access or develop the property, discovering it did not belong to the accused.

This case highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat property-related fraud and money laundering in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.

The post EFCC Arraigns Six Suspects Over ₦6 Million Land Fraud in Uyo, Akwa Ibom appeared first on Housing TV Africa.