The Kogi State Government has invalidated all fraudulently obtained Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and reclaimed properties illegally acquired across the state following the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation into irregularities in land administration.
According to the press statement issued on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government uncovered widespread abuses in the processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, with many of the affected documents lacking proper documentation, statutory approvals, and mandatory records.
The investigation revealed that several of the certificates had no corresponding files, did not pass through legally required procedures, and in some instances, had official codes manipulated or misapplied in a bid to circumvent due process.
The government stressed that, under the law, the constitutional authority to approve and sign all Certificates of Occupancy in Kogi State rests solely with the Governor. It therefore declared that any certificate issued outside this lawful process is null, void, and of no legal effect.
“In addition, all government properties illegally acquired through fraudulent means have been invalidated and fully reverted to the ownership of the Kogi State Government,” the statement said.
The government urged individuals and corporate entities who may have acquired land or government property under questionable or irregular circumstances to immediately approach the appropriate authorities to verify the status of such properties.
It also warned that anyone found to have participated in the fraudulent issuance of Certificates of Occupancy or the illegal takeover of government properties will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public assets, the government declared that the era of land-related fraud and impunity in Kogi State is over.
“The Kogi State Government remains resolute in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public assets,” Fanwo stated in the release.
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