Businessman Cries Foul: “They Used Fake Land Deal to Cheat Me of ₦10m!”

– Accuses Yakubu Eletu family and Lagos surveyor of conspiracy, demands answers from state government

A Yola-based Nigerian businessman has raised alarm over what he described as a grand conspiracy to defraud him of more than ₦10 million under the guise of a land transaction involving the Yakubu Eletu family of Ibare Village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The businessman, who once lived at Abraham Adesanya Estate, Lagos, but has since relocated to Yola, Adamawa State, alleged that in 2015, he was approached by Surveyor Olusegun Mayowa through his lawyer and neighbour, Ikezuagu Udebuzo of Royal Kings Solicitors, with an offer that later turned sour.

According to him, Surveyor Mayowa claimed to be acting on behalf of the Yakubu Eletu family, asking him to finance a land survey to the tune of ₦10,100,000 in exchange for portions of their expansive ancestral land in Ibeju-Lekki.

“I was told clearly that in exchange for my money, the family would assign me land. A Deed of Assignment was even signed by their representatives—Safuraini Eletu (Family Head), Daisi Eletu (Secretary), and Rafiu Eletu (Principal Member)—stating that I was entitled to 101 plots of land. Yet, almost 11 years later, I have received nothing. Neither land, nor my money back,” he told our reporter.

The businessman further explained that he and Surveyor Mayowa had agreed to share the plots on a 60:40 ratio in his favour, after which a survey plan was completed and submitted to the Lagos State Government. But the dream deal, he says, has now turned into his worst nightmare.

“It is unbelievable that more than a decade after I invested my hard-earned money, I cannot step on a single plot of land. Instead, I’ve been fed excuses, deceit, and silence. This is daylight robbery masquerading as a land transaction,” he fumed.

He also stated that because of the deal and to maintain a good standing with the family, he made it a routine to always deliver huge ram every Sallah to the family in the company of Surveyor Mayowa.

Surveyor Shifts Blame on Lagos Government

When contacted, Surveyor Mayowa admitted to the transaction but shifted the blame to government action.

He said: “The land in question was acquired by the Lagos State Government, and since then, neither I nor the family members have benefitted from it. The government promised to reallocate another land to the family, but until now, nothing concrete has been given. No compensation has been paid either.”

Checks at the Lagos State Lands Bureau confirmed that the land was indeed taken over by the state, but what remains murky is the timing of the acquisition and whether compensation or reallocation has been made.

Despite repeated requests, Surveyor Mayowa has refused to provide contacts for the family representatives, telling our reporter he would only be “available in October.” That was last year.

Burning Questions

Frustrated and stranded, the businessman is demanding answers from both the Lagos State Government and the Yakubu Eletu family. He posed critical questions that remain unanswered:

– Did the state government acquire the land before or after he was approached for money?

– If acquired, has compensation or reallocation already been made to the family without his knowledge?

– Since his promised land is no longer available, what is the family doing to compensate him —either with land in another location or a refund of his ₦10.1 million with interest?

– Why have Surveyor Mayowa and his own lawyer gone silent, failing to defend his interest despite dragging him into the deal?

“The Lagos State Government must come clean. If they have compensated the family, then why am I being denied my entitlement? If they haven’t, why did Surveyor Mayowa and his collaborators involve me in a dead deal? Someone is clearly hiding the truth, and it stinks of fraud,” he declared.

Appeal to Lagos State and the Eletu Family

The businessman is appealing to the Lagos State Government to intervene and protect his rights as a law-abiding citizen.

“If nothing is done, this will look like the government itself is aiding an organized fraud by turning a blind eye. Lagos cannot keep destroying the dreams of investors with endless land controversies,” he warned.

He also called on the Yakubu Eletu family to protect their reputation.

“This is a respected Lagos family. They must not allow their name to be dragged in the mud. They should either deliver my plots or compensate me properly elsewhere. I have suffered enough,” he said.

A Brewing Legal Showdown

He also vowed to pursue the matter to the end if justice is not done.

“I am prepared to go to court to compel the family and all parties involved to either give me my land or refund my money with appropriate interest. I won’t be silenced. I won’t be cheated,” he declared.

With the battle lines drawn, the Lagos State Government finds itself at the heart of yet another messy land scandal—an all-too-familiar tale in a state where land disputes have become a recurring nightmare for citizens and investors alike.