Lagos, Nigeria — In a case that has gone viral on social media, a Nigerian legal practitioner has recounted a shocking fraud where a tenant allegedly sold his landlord’s four-bedroom duplex in Lagos for ₦83 million and then vanished with the money.
According to the lawyer, known on TikTok as @theomonilelawyer, the tenant had lived in the property at Okota for seven years, during which he became familiar with the neighborhood and forged documents to impersonate the owner. He created a fake deed of assignment, a survey plan, and a receipt from the local family to make the sale appear legitimate.
The lawyer explained that the unsuspecting buyer, who failed to consult local authorities like the community development association, was convinced by the tenant’s story that he was a “big boy” selling one of his houses to move to another. After paying the full amount, the buyer even granted the tenant’s request for four extra months to move out.
The elaborate scam unraveled when the landlord’s agent came to the property to collect rent and was met by the new owner. The landlord, a police officer based abroad, was immediately alerted and flew back to Nigeria to address the situation. The case has sent shockwaves through the property market, highlighting the risks of neglecting due diligence in real estate transactions.
@theomonilelawyer The ₦83 Million Okota Scam – How a Tenant Sold His Landlord’s House! Meet Onyeka. He wasn’t the landlord of a 4-bedroom duplex in Okota, Lagos. He was just a tenant. But Onyeka had bigger plans. He forged land documents – family receipts, survey plan, and even a fake deed of assignment – all in his name. To make it believable, he acted like a rich homeowner and even lived inside the house. Then, he linked up with an agent who marketed the property. Soon enough, a buyer with ₦83 million showed up. The buyer? He didn’t verify anything. He didn’t ask the community, didn’t confirm ownership, didn’t check with the Okota family, nothing. He saw Onyeka living there, believed the fake papers, and paid up. Onyeka even asked for 4 months to “move out” after the sale, and the buyer agreed. By the time the buyer tried to move in, Onyeka had vanished. The landlord abroad was shocked to return and find someone claiming ownership of his house. Result: The buyer lost ₦83 million. The police are now involved. Onyeka? Still missing. Moral of the story: Never buy property in Lagos without verification. Tenants can pose as landlords. Fake papers are everywhere. Don’t be the next victim. #fyp#foryoupage#OmonileLawyer#realestatefraudlagos#nigeria♬ original sound – TheOmonilelawyer
