CFL raises alarm over ‘land title laundry’ in Lagos

A construction firm, CFL, has expressed alarm over what it termed "land title laundry" in Lagos, following a property dispute at Victoria Island. In a press conference, CFL's Group Managing Director, Engr. Lai Omotola, demanded the Lagos State Land Registry review a disputed Governor's Consent linked to the property. Omotola highlighted the company's purchase and construction of the land before an individual with security arrived and claimed ownership based on the Governor's Consent.

Following their investigation, CFL reached out to the families identified as earlier owners in the documents. This experience has prompted CFL to shed light on the issue they've labeled "Land Title Laundry," a situation where questions may arise regarding the legitimacy and history of land documents. Omotola clarified that a Certificate of Occupancy and a Governor's Consent are distinct, with the latter being a government's consent to a transaction, not resolving potential defects in the underlying title.

He reported presenting these concerns to the relevant authorities and seeking a resolution. Over the years, CFL has witnessed instances of land title cloning and forgery in Lagos, which led banks to suffer significant losses. While the previous Governor Ambode took steps to address the issue, the new scam known as Land Title Laundry has emerged, exploiting the situation further.