By :Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
- The Kogi State Government has invalidated all fraudulently obtained Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and reclaimed government properties illegally acquired across the state, following a comprehensive investigation into widespread land administration irregularities.
In a decisive move that underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and security, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also supervised the demolition of a suspected ISWAP terrorists’ hideout in Okene, declaring that his government will never negotiate with terrorists but will instead take the fight directly to their enclaves.
A statement issued on Thursday, January 15, 2025 by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, revealed that the government uncovered extensive fraud in the processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy within the state.
According to the statement, a meticulous review of land records exposed multiple Certificates of Occupancy that lacked proper documentation, had no corresponding official files, and failed to pass through the mandatory statutory procedures.
Investigations further revealed that official codes were fraudulently manipulated or misapplied in attempts to bypass due process.
“The constitutional authority to sign and validate every Certificate of Occupancy in Kogi State is exclusively vested in the Governor,” the statement
emphasized. “Any Certificate of Occupancy issued outside this lawful process is null, void, and of no legal effect.”
As a result, all government properties acquired through fraudulent land processes have been invalidated and fully reverted to the ownership of the Kogi State Government.
The government called on 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 assets.
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.
On the security front, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism, following the demolition of an ISWAP-linked hideout in Okene. Despite reported attempts by criminal elements to instill fear, the Governor declared that his government would not bow to intimidation.
“Governor Ododo will never negotiate with terrorists,” the statement noted. “He will take the fight to them in their hideouts and ensure that Kogi State remains safe and secure for all law-abiding citizens.”
The Kogi State Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to accountability, the protection of public assets, and the rule of law, declaring that the era of land-related fraud, criminal impunity, and insecurity in the state is over.
