Alot of people even though are aware of the needs to verify the authenticity of land titles but failed, have turned victims of same. The question is are there remedies? Yes. They are as follow:

�If the land is subject to acquisition, talk to the initial seller and demand for refund of the amount paid. A friend went to verify a property for her clients in Osun State and before she got there, the clients have paid unknowingly that there was acquisition. After she tried to visit the seller and pleaded for refund, the entire money was refunded with apology. Though securing a money paid may not be easier, because the seller would have spent the sum instantly, yet some may go ahead to refund you. A woman bought a property from an estate company in Lagos, and two years after discovering defect in the property, she went to complain to the company and the estate company agreed to pay 80% as a refund.

�Plead for Accommodation: This exists where the land is under compulsory acquisition and the present owner needs it for farming purpose. The amount involved is overwhelming and it's currently practised in Ogun State.

�Opt for negotiation: This exists and arises where the buyer approaches and plead with the other party for release of the property. Though instances of such is rare as the other party may insist on additional payment before the property is dispensed with. A good example of this is the Land Grabbers.

�Go to court: This is mostly practised everyday. This arise mostly where it is believe that the property is sold fraudulently by families or individual. It also arises where there are existing deeds of Assignment. Some don't have deed and yet they succeeded in the transaction. I am currently handling some.

� Report to Police Station: Even though, police have less power on land matters, they can still attend to matters bothering on malicious damage.

NOTE that it is not advisable to resell a property with defect title to another unsuspecting innocent party, in order to avoid further dispute which pay incur unexpected expenses.

Barr Ayo- 08068088866
ay4u888@gmail.com.