Osun Man Arrested for Fraudulently Selling Land with Forged Documents

A 42-year-old man, Lasisi Ismail, has been apprehended for allegedly selling a piece of land that did not belong to him in Ilori-Agbedu, Ede, Osun State.

The fraudulent transaction, which involved selling the land for N800,000, was conducted using falsified documents, leaving the unsuspecting buyer, Mrs Afolabi, in possession of what turned out to be a worthless piece of paper.

The incident came to light when Mrs Afolabi, realising that she had been deceived, reported the matter to the Osun Amotekun Corps.

Upon receiving the complaint, the Corps immediately launched an investigation into the activities of Ismail, who had reportedly gone into hiding after completing the fraudulent sale.

The Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, CSP Isaac Omoyele (rtd), confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Saturday.

Omoyele detailed how the Corps had acted swiftly following the report, tracking down and arresting Ismail at his hideout.

The suspect, during interrogation, initially claimed that he had legitimately purchased the land from the Mogaji family, providing a receipt as proof of the transaction.

However, under further scrutiny, it was revealed that the receipt and accompanying documents were forgeries.

“The Mogaji family, who are the rightful owners of the land, were able to produce the original receipt and documents, exposing Ismail’s deceit,” Omoyele explained.

“This fraudulent act highlights the need for potential land buyers in Osun State to exercise extreme caution and ensure thorough verification before finalising any purchase.”

Land fraud, particularly involving the sale of properties with forged documents, has become an increasing concern in many parts of Nigeria, including Osun State.

The case of Lasisi Ismail underscores the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters to deceive innocent buyers.

By forging documents and receipts, these criminals create the illusion of legitimacy, often escaping with large sums of money before the buyer realises they have been duped.

The Osun Amotekun Corps, a security outfit established to address various security challenges within the state, has been instrumental in combating crime, including fraud and other forms of deceit.

The swift response to Mrs Afolabi’s complaint and the subsequent arrest of Ismail demonstrate the Corps’ commitment to protecting residents from fraudulent activities.

However, as Omoyele cautioned, the responsibility also lies with the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when engaging in land transactions.

To avoid falling victim to such scams, potential land buyers are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, which includes verifying the authenticity of land documents, confirming the seller’s identity, and, where possible, consulting with legal professionals or relevant authorities.

In this case, the forged documents were only discovered after the sale had been completed, highlighting the importance of early verification.

After his arrest, Ismail was transferred to the Police for further interrogation and prosecution.

The involvement of the Police ensures that the suspect will face the full weight of the law, and if found guilty, he will be held accountable for his actions.

This should serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar fraudulent activities.

The case has also prompted the Osun Amotekun Corps to issue a broader warning to residents of the state.

Omoyele stressed that land buyers must be cautious and ensure that all transactions are transparent and properly documented.

He also advised the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities promptly, as early intervention can prevent such frauds from occurring.

In conclusion, the arrest of Lasisi Ismail for selling land with forged documents is a significant victory for the Osun Amotekun Corps and a reminder to the public of the risks involved in land transactions.

As land fraud continues to pose a threat in Nigeria, it is crucial for buyers to remain vigilant and for law enforcement agencies to continue their efforts in bringing fraudsters to justice.

The swift action taken in this case not only safeguards the interests of the victim but also reinforces the message that fraudulent activities will not be tolerated in Osun State.