A 17-year-old has reportedly purchased a staggering 14,000 hectares of land in Edo State, Nigeria, making full payment for the transaction, the move has triggered public debate and an official investigation by the state government.
The news of the unusual acquisition broke out earlier this month, prompting Governor Monday Okpebholo to order a thorough probe into the matter. The governor expressed serious concerns over the transaction, particularly given the buyer’s age, the volume of land involved, and the suspiciously swift and full cash payment.
According to Nigerian law, individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors and generally cannot legally enter into binding property contracts without a legal guardian or representative. This raises questions about the legitimacy of the deal, with some speculating that the teenager may be fronting for a third party using the minor’s identity to conceal true ownership.
As part of the response, Governor Okpebholo has suspended the issuance and signing of all Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) in the state until a full investigation has been conducted. He noted that the government must clamp down on illegal land transactions and ensure the proper use and distribution of land across Edo State.
The financial source behind the massive land purchase is also under scrutiny. While the exact amount paid has not been publicly disclosed, experts estimate the land value could run into billions of naira. The state government has vowed to trace the source of the funds and determine whether any financial crimes, such as money laundering, were involved.
This case has stirred public debate over land ownership, youth wealth, and government oversight. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over how a minor could access such vast resources in a country where land and wealth remain inaccessible to many hardworking citizens.
The Edo State government says it remains committed to transparency and legal due process, urging citizens to report any suspicious land transactions. Meanwhile, the identity of the teenager involved has not been officially released, and the investigation continues.
