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Edo State Probes 17-Year-Old Over Purchase of 14,000 Hectares of Land

Published by admin on October 10th, 2025.

Edo State Probes 17-Year-Old Over Purchase of 14,000 Hectares of Land

The Edo State Government has launched an official investigation into a 17-year-old boy who reportedly purchased an astonishing 14,000 hectares of land—approximately 140 square kilometers—with full payment already made.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who announced the probe, stated that the teenager must account for the source of his funds. As part of the response, the governor has temporarily suspended the issuance of all Certificates of Occupancy related to the transaction, pending further verification.

The case emerged during a meeting with a non-governmental organization that raised concerns about illegal land acquisitions. Governor Okpebholo, seen addressing the issue in a now-viral photo, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling land fraud and increasing transparency in property transactions.

On social media platform X, the news sparked a wave of reactions. While some users expressed disbelief over the sheer size of the land—equivalent to multiple districts—others used the opportunity to comment on economic inequality, urging authorities to also investigate youth poverty with the same intensity.

The investigation aligns with the state’s broader efforts to curb land grabbing and ensure lawful land ownership in Edo.